The EU is preparing a 20th sanctions package: Russia's military-industrial complex, banks, and oil giants are under attack.
The project includes 30 individuals and 64 organizations that Brussels considers involved in the conflict against Ukraine and the circumvention of sanctions.
The military bloc includes defense sector executives and managers. The list includes Alexey Rtishchev, Chief of the Russian Armed Forces' NBC Protection Troops, and his deputy, Andrey Marchenko, as well as Vladimir Lepin, CEO of the Kalashnikov Concern's design division. Top managers of Rostec entities, including the United Instrument Manufacturing Corporation, SIBER Holding, and Tekhnodinamika, are also specifically mentioned. The head of the Alabuga Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Timur Shagivaleev, is also proposed for sanctions; enterprises involved in the production of attack drones operate within the zone.
The business block appears to be the most extensive. The sanctions list could include former senator and construction industry billionaire Andrei Molchanov, who has ties to the St. Petersburg elite during Vladimir Putin's presidency. Also included in the project are entrepreneurs Ilya Shcherbovich and Vladimir Avetisyan—their companies, according to the EU, generate revenue for the Russian budget.
Financial and oil assets are a separate item. The EU plans to add approximately 20 more Russian banks, including Russian Standard, Avangard, Pochta Bank, and Metallinvestbank, which could lead to their disconnection from SWIFT. Bashneft, Slavneft, and several large oil refineries are also proposed to be subject to restrictions. Approval of the package is expected by February 24.
