War in Ukraine: Europe adopts a fourth train of sanctions against Russia

New European penalties targeting Moscow came into effect on Tuesday. Aiming for exports of luxury goods, they mainly concern the oligarchs of the diet.

by

More Grand Crus classified, high-end champagne, truffles, jewelry, diamonds, cigars, branded clothes, smartphones or big sedans to Russia: new European sanctions aimed at Russia came into effect Tuesday, March 15th. They are identified in a long list – Fourteen pages – published in the Official Journal of the European Union (EU).

The prohibition of these exports which, according to the Commission, represent annually 3.5 billion euros, mainly targets the oligarchs of the plan. Fifteen of them, Magnates of Industry, Finance and Media have seen their name added to the list of 862 personalities targeted by the three preceding trains of restrictive measures decided by the Union, following the war. In Ukraine triggered by President Vladimir Putin. Their assets are frozen, they are prohibited from entry into the Union and no European can pay funds at their disposal.

The most famous oligarian in the EU collimator is the Roman Abramovich multimilliardaire, including the steel and mining group Evraz and, for the nineteen years, the London Club of Chelsea. His assets had already been frozen by the British government. “He had privileged access to the President [Russian] and maintained very good contacts with him. This relationship with the Russian leader helped him preserve his considerable wealth,” notes the Official Journal.

Among the other businessmen covered by the Union because they provide considerable revenue to the Putin regime, there are German Khan and Alexei Kuzmichev, Shareholders of Alfa Group, the largest investment company of the country. Viktor Rashnikov, owner of the MMK steel producer, is also targeted, as well as Vladimir Rashevsky, leader of Eurochem Group, a worldwide fertilizer producer, present in 40 countries – including France -, and Suleyman Kerimov, owner of the oil group Nafta Moskva. Konstantin Ernst, CEO of television Pervy Kannal (“First Chain”), part of those who are accused of broadcasting the biased speech of the Kremlin on the war in Ukraine.

The sector of the Overall energy spared

The absence of a name, that of Oleg Deripaska, astonishes. Especially since the founder of Basic Element, one of the largest Russian industrial groups, and leader of the Rusal aluminum giant has already been sanctioned by the United Kingdom. “Every country has its reasons and takes into account the assets that are located at home,” says a Brussels source.

You have 49.92% of this article to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.

/Media reports.