EU diplomats have said that European Union envoys are set to discuss on Wednesday a 15th sanctions package in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, including those affecting tankers transporting Russian oil, and Chinese companies involved in the manufacture of drones for Moscow.

Diplomats confirmed that a total of 29 entities, and 54 individuals, are in line to be added to the more than 2,200 sanctions already on the list. These include travel bans and asset freezes within the 27 member bloc. The diplomats did not expect significant opposition.

In January, when Poland assumes the rotating EU presidency from Hungary whose Russia-friendly president has often delayed or blocked actions that would help Ukraine, a more significant package is likely to be presented.

In September, it was revealed that Russia had set up a weapons program in China for the development and production of long-range attack robots.

The addition of 48 tankers is part of an effort by Western allies, to limit Russian oil revenue by increasing the price cap set by the Group of Seven Nations (G7) on Russian oil.

Western officials have said that they always expected the effectiveness of this cap to diminish over time.

The 16th package, as previously reported by the Journal, is expected to tighten the restrictions on Russian LNG flows and to expand the use the "No Russia clause" that would require subsidiaries of EU companies located in third-country countries to prevent the reexportation of certain goods to Russia.

In line with the move Washington took earlier this year, the EU wants to put pressure on financial institutions that assist Russia in circumventing Western restrictions.

(source: Reuters)