In the EU, a loan for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia were finally approved

Illustrative photo. Photo: AP

It is also reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Cyprus, where he is participating in the EU summit.

The EU leadership noted that the strategy of this association for achieving a lasting and just peace in Ukraine is based on two main directions: supporting Ukraine itself and increasing pressure on Russia. According to the head of the European Council, António Costa, the decisions taken now correspond to both these goals.

The new package of sanctions envisages a number of additional restrictions against Russia and Belarus.

In particular, a ban is introduced on providing maritime services related to Russian oil products. This means that EU companies will not be able to service vessels carrying such products from Russian ports.

It is also planned to strengthen measures against the so-called "shadow fleet" used by Russia to circumvent sanctions, as well as against other countries that assist it in this.

As for Belarus, it is proposed to extend to it a number of restrictions already in force against Russia. These include — a ban on the supply of high-tech goods, high-power industrial tractors, metalworking machines, laboratory glass, special rubber and lubricating materials, and other similar products.

In addition, the EU wants to prohibit the provision of cybersecurity services to Belarus, primarily for state structures and organizations associated with them.

For the first time, sanctions also affect the tourism sector: it is planned to restrict the activities of tourism companies, guides, and advertising for trips to Belarus. A short transitional period is foreseen for already concluded agreements.

To complicate the circumvention of sanctions, the EU also intends to expand the list of goods and technologies prohibited for transit through the territory of Belarus.

Additionally, it is proposed to introduce new restrictions on the import of Belarusian products — including raw materials, metals, chemical substances, rubber products, and processed hides.

Along with this, the legal protection of EU companies is strengthened: they want to better protect them from possible lawsuits not only from Belarus but also from organizations in other countries that may suffer due to sanctions.

Previously, the ambassadors of EU countries agreed on the loan and sanctions on Wednesday. This became possible after Hungary dropped its veto, which allowed these measures to be finally approved.

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