EU sanctions against Russia also target ports in Georgia and Indonesia

The European Union has proposed extending sanctions against Russia to ports in Georgia and Indonesia that handle Russian oil. This is the first time that measures would target ports in third countries.

According to a draft seen by Reuters, the ports of Kulevi in Georgia and Karimun in Indonesia would be added to the sanctions list. Companies and individuals from the EU would then be prohibited from conducting transactions with them.

The measures are part of the EU's 20th package of sanctions in connection with the war in Ukraine. The package was prepared by the EU's diplomatic services and the European Commission, and its adoption requires the unanimous consent of the member states.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that the package also includes sector-wide restrictions and a transition from the G7 price cap to a complete ban on maritime services for Russian oil.

The proposal includes new bans on imports of metals, salt, ammonia, and furs, and for the first time, the use of an instrument to counter the circumvention of sanctions against a third country, specifically Kyrgyzstan.

The EU has proposed adding two Kyrgyz banks, banks in Laos and Tajikistan, as well as 30 individuals and 64 companies, including Bashneft and eight Russian refineries, to the sanctions list.

(reuters, max)