 "European Union flags fly outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. File Photo: Reuters")
EU foreign ministers have approved a 16th round of sanctions against Russia , targeting the cryptocurrency exchange for the first time to prevent Russia from using it to bypass Western sanctions.
Diplomatic sources indicated last week that the new measures include a ban on primary aluminum imports, restrictions on gaming console sales and the blacklisting of 73 vessels linked to the so-called shadow fleet used to evade sanctions.
The aluminum ban will be implemented gradually, allowing up to 275,000 tonnes of imports over the next year before taking full effect on February 26, 2026. Also, contracts signed before February 25 will be granted an exemption for up to 50,000 tonnes until the end of 2026.
Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers have approved a 16th round of sanctions against Russia, marking the first time a cryptocurrency exchange has been targeted, according to a statement from the Council.
Diplomatic sources indicated last week that the new measures include a ban on primary aluminum imports, restrictions on gaming console sales, and the blacklisting of 73 vessels linked to the so-called shadow fleet used to evade sanctions.
With inputs from agencies