The European Union has adopted its 21st package of sanctions against Russia, expanding measures against dozens of companies and individuals linked to the military industry supporting the war in Ukraine. The EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, announced that over 50 entities of the Russian military-industrial complex, as well as key actors involved in the production of long-range drones, have been added to the sanctions list.
The new package also targets suppliers in third countries, including China and India, who are suspected of supplying Russia with dual-use technologies used in the production of missiles, drones and other military equipment.
One of the key measures in the package is to target the production and supply chain of Russian Harpiya drones, used in attacks on Ukraine. The EU has imposed sanctions on 37 individuals and companies that produce key components for these drones, including engines, warheads, catapults and other equipment.
Also, for the first time, measures have been imposed on the Russian satellite project Rassvet, developed by the company Bureau 1440, which is considered Moscow's alternative to the Starlink system. According to the EU, this project is of strategic importance for Russia's communications and military capabilities.
Although experts welcome the expansion of sanctions, they warn that Russia has several types of long-range drones, so the impact of these measures may not immediately change the military balance. However, Brussels emphasizes that economic and technological pressure on Moscow will continue until Russia stops its aggression against Ukraine.
