EU prepares new sanctions package against Russia
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, EU Council President Charles Michel and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held a joint press conference at the end of the 24th EU-Summit Ukraine in kyiv.
Von der Leyen stated that the EU has shipped 35 million LED bulbs to Ukraine so far and this will increase to 50 million soon, adding that “50 million LED bulbs mean savings equivalent to the electricity output of a nuclear reactor.” saying.
Explaining that they also discussed the security of power supply at the meeting, von der Leyen said that in the current situation, generators are extremely important for the electricity supply in Ukraine.
Von der Leyen said: “It has been decided to deliver 5,400 generators to Ukraine.” he said.
2 GIGAVAT OF ELECTRICITY TO BE GIVEN TO UKRAINE
Recalling that the Ukrainian and EU power grids were connected at the beginning of the war, von der Leyen said: “Ukraine needs electricity. We will provide you with the 2 gigawatts of electricity you need.” he used the phrase.
Von der Leyen pointed out the importance of Ukraine paying salaries and social payments to maintain its state function, the EU has provided Ukraine with €50 billion so far.” he said.
PRODUCTS FROM UKRAINE WILL CONTINUE TO ENTER THE EU DUTY FREE
Explaining that they will give 18 billion euros to Ukraine as budget support in regular monthly payments, von der Leyen said that they will also extend the program for duty-free entry of Ukrainian products into the EU market.
NEW SANCTIONS ON RUSSIA
Von der Leyen stressed that the Russian economy has paid a heavy price due to the imposed sanctions, saying: “The 10th package of sanctions is coming. Our goal is to implement this package by February 24.” he said.
Von der Leyen stated that the 10th sanctions package will have a scope of approximately 10 billion euros, saying: “A large sanctions package is being prepared again. The plan is to once again focus on technologies that Russia can use in warfare.” the said.
Von der Leyen stated that they want to make sure that vehicles like UAVs are not produced in Russia and Iran, and that they will target the components of these products with the sanctions.
Von der Leyen noted that they will also largely focus on circumventing or circumventing sanctions, adding that “the 10th sanctions package will include proposals to combat sanctions circumvention.” he made his assessment.
EU AFFILIATION PROCESS OF UKRAINE
Von der Leyen, referring to Ukraine’s EU accession process, said: “Their determination to move forward is impressive. They are taking important steps with all the upcoming reforms. We must not forget that you do all this while fighting an aggressor. We will continue to support them every step of the way.” he performed the assessment of it.
Von der Leyen stated that the progress Ukraine has made on its path to membership will be reflected in the enlargement report to be released in the fall, adding: “The accession process is a merit-based process. In other words, there are no hard deadlines.” saying.
“UKRAINE IS THE EU, THE EU IS UKRAINE”
EU Council President Michel said: “Ukraine is the EU, the EU is Ukraine.” he used the phrase.
“We will support you at every step of your journey through the EU.” Michel noted the importance of supporting Ukraine in the field of the rule of law.
Michel stressed that they are working to hold Russia accountable both for war crimes in Ukraine and for the damage it has caused to this country.
Reiterating that an international center will be established in The Hague for war crimes, Michel said the idea of using frozen Russian assets to rebuild the country is being worked on.
Noting that the Council has been able to take unanimous decisions regarding Ukraine, including 9 sanctions packages against Russia, in the past year, he expressed his hope that the decision on EU membership can also be taken in this way.
EXTENSION OF THE CONTENT OF SANCTIONS
The 24th EU-Ukraine summit was the first to be held since the start of the war and Ukraine’s candidate status. The summit between the EU and the Ukrainian administration was held under intense security and confidentiality measures.
The EU has so far implemented 9 sanctions packages against Russia due to the war. Sanctions against Russia cover a wide spectrum, including trade, finance, industry, technology, transportation, luxury and dual-use goods.
In addition, crude oil and some oil derivatives transported by sea, with the removal of some Russian banks from the SWIFT international payment system, are on the EU sanctions lists. (AA)