In a Monday statement, the EU Commission announced that it had adopted a fifteenth package of sanctions for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This included tougher measures towards Chinese entities, and more vessels of Moscow's shadow fleet.

The total number of vessels listed has increased by 52, as the new package includes vessels from the shadow-fleet that attempt to circumvent Western restrictions in order to move oil and grain, or arms.

In response to the increase in cargoes being transported by vessels that aren't regulated or covered by Western conventional providers, the EU started adding ships in this year. This list included ships that transported North Korean ammunition from Russia.

The 52 vessels sanctioned included 33 vessels for the transport of crude oil, petroleum products, or petroleum products that originated in or were exported from Russia. This brings the total number sanctioned vessels for oil transport to 43.

The new restrictions include 84 individuals and entities including seven Chinese people and entities.

The statement referred to the Chinese listing and said that "namely one individual, two entities, and four entities, which supply sensitive drone components, microelectronics components, to the Russian military."

These Chinese sanctions will be the first full-blown sanctions against the country, including a travel ban as well as an asset freeze.

The Chinese will be sent a strong message by the full-fledged sanction. "We take this very serious," said an EU diplomat.

David O'Sullivan, the EU's chief sanctions officer and Ukrainian officials pointed out that China was the primary route through which foreign technology is sold to Russia.

CHINESE LISTINGS

Diplomats say that the Chinese sanctions package previously included in Russia only concerned export controls and not a general sanction.

The list also includes two senior North Korean officials, 20 Russian companies in India, Iran and Serbia, and 20 Russian entities in the United Arab Emirates, United Arab Emirates, and Serbia.

Niels Troost is also on the list, a businessman who controls Paramount Energy and Commodities DMCC.

The EU claims that Paramount DMCC "repeatedly" traded

After its introduction, Russian crude oil was above the price cap for oil. Troost's alleged ties to Livna Shipping Ltd., which was also cited by the EU as having traded crude oil over the price cap after its introduction.

Livna didn't immediately respond to the request for comment. On its website, it states that Mr. Niels Troost is not affiliated with Livna in any way and has played no role within Livna operations.

Troost was not available for comment. Paramount DMCC is

Britain sanctions the alleged perpetrators

In November of last year,

When Russia's central bank assets are immobilised, EU countries have added financial measures that will ease the burden for EU central securities depository institutions, like Euroclear in Belgium.

The Group of Seven nations (G7) agreed to lend $50 billion to Ukraine in order to fight Russian forces.

Sources have confirmed that the Commission is working on a 16th set of sanctions, including measures on Russian LNG and restrictions on exports by EU subsidiaries to third countries. Sources: (Reporting from Julia Payne, Brussels; additional reporting by Robert Harvey, Enes Tunagur, and Ed Osmond in London; Editing by Ros and Ed Osmond).

(source: Reuters)