On February 25, the European Union sanctioned seven Iranian weapons manufacturers and four men in Iran for supplying drones to Russia, which were used to attack government and civilian targets in Ukraine. The list included the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force and six defense firms linked to the Iranian government as well as top executives in Iran’s drone industry. Between August 2022 and February 2023, Iran exported hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles, including Shahed suicide drones and Mohajer strike and reconnaissance drones. IRGC teams also provided training to their Russian counterparts on the drones.
The action by European Union, a bloc of 27 nations with some of the largest economies, was part of a broader measure on the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion. In all, it sanctioned 34 companies and 87 people—mainly Russian but including men from Ukraine, Armenia and Israel as well as the Iranians—for “undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.” In a statement, the EU said that it “stands united in its solidarity with Ukraine, and will continue to support Ukraine and its people together with its international partners, including through additional political, financial, military and humanitarian support for as long as necessary.”
The sanctions reflected growing Western outrage over Tehran’s support for Moscow’s war. “Today we are targeting 121 individuals and entities who are instrumental in the continuation of this brutal war,” said Josep Borrell, E.U. high representative for foreign affairs and security policy.
The E.U. action were the first to cite Iranian organizations connected to Russia’s war. It froze all their assets in the European Union and banned all travel to the 27 countries. They also prohibited E.U. citizens from providing funds or resources to those on the list.
The bloc imposed stricter export controls on the transfer of technology and industrial goods to Russia. It suspended broadcasting licenses for two Russia-linked media organizations. And it restricted Russian nationals from positions in governing bodies of critical infrastructures. The Iranians sanctioned are:
- Hossein Shamsabadi, managing director and CEO of Paravar Pars Company
- Abualfazl Nazeri, vice chairman of the board of Paravar Pars Company
- Abulghasem Valagohar, member of the board of Paravar Pars Company
- Ghassem Damavandian, CEO and managing director of Qods Aviation Industry
The European Union sanctioned the following Iranian organizations, which had earlier been designated by the United States for playing a role in the transfer of Iranian drones to Russia:
- IRGC Aerospace Force: It helped facilitate Iran’s supply of drones to Russia, according to U.S. sanctions imposed in November 2022.
- Design and Manufacturing of Aircraft Engines: The firm was involved in the IRGC’s Shahed-171 drone program, according to U.S. sanctions imposed in September 2022.
- IRGC Research and Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization: The IRGC unit is responsible for the research and development of ballistic missiles, according to U.S. sanctions imposed in 2017.
- Oje Parvaz Mado Nafar Company (Mado): The firm provided drone engines to the IRGC, according to U.S. sanctions imposed in 2021.
- Paravar Pars Company: The drone manufacturer was linked to the IRGC, according to U.S. sanctions imposed in September 2022.
- Qods Aviation Industries: The Iranian state-owned company produced the Mohajer-6 attack and reconnaissance drone used by Russia against Ukraine, according to U.S. sanctions imposed in November 2022.
- Shahed Aviation Industries: The Iranian company produced the Shahed-136 suicide drone used by Russia against Ukraine, according to U.S. sanctions imposed in November 2022.
E.U. Statements
One year of Russia’s full-scale invasion and war of aggression against Ukraine, EU adopts its 10th package of economic and individual sanctions
On the sad commemoration of one year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Council adopted today a tenth package of additional restrictive measures giving another turn of the screw to the government of the Russian Federation and those responsible for Russia’s continuing war of aggression.
Putin is escalating this illegal aggression, weaponising winter, food and hunger. Russia continues to show its inhuman face with brutal missile terror against civilian targets. Today’s 10th package of sanctions targets those who are instrumental in the continuation of this brutal war. We are taking more measures, tackling the banking sector, access to dual-use technology and advanced technologies. We will continue to increase pressure on Russia - and we will do it for as long as needed, until Ukraine is liberated from the brutal Russian aggression.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Import-export controls and restrictions
Today's decision imposes further export bans on critical technology and industrial goods, such as electronics, specialised vehicles, machine parts, spare parts for trucks and jet engines, as well as goods for the construction sector which can be directed to Russia's military, such as antennas or cranes.
The list of restricted items that could contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia’s defence and security sector will now include additional new electronic components that are be used in Russian weapons systems retrieved on the battlefield, including drones, missiles, helicopters, as well as specific rare earth materials, electronic integrated circuits, and thermal cameras.
Dual use goods are also targeted. Today’s decision expands the list of entities supporting directly Russia’s military and industrial complex in its war of aggression by additional 96 entities, thereby imposing tighter export restrictions on them.
For the first time ever, this list will include seven Iranian entities manufacturing military unmanned aerial vehicles, which have been used by Russia’s military in its war of aggression including against civilian infrastructure.
Furthermore the Council decided to prohibit the transit through Russia of EU exported dual use goods and technology, in order to avoid circumvention.
Lastly, further restrictions are imposed on imports of goods which generate significant revenues for Russia, such as asphalt and synthetic rubber.
Broadcasting
In order to address the Russian Federation's systematic, international campaign of disinformation and information manipulation intended to destabilise its neighbouring countries, the EU and its member states, the Council initiated the process for suspending the broadcasting licences of two additional media outlets: RT Arabic and Sputnik Arabic. These outlets are under the permanent direct or indirect control of the leadership of the Russian Federation and have been used by latter for its continuous and concerted disinformation and war propaganda actions, which legitimise Russia’s aggression and undermine support for Ukraine. In line with the Charter of Fundamental Rights, these measures will not prevent those media outlets and their staff from carrying out activities in the EU other than broadcasting, e.g. research and interviews.
Critical infrastructure
Today's decision restricts the possibility for Russian nationals to hold any position in the governing bodies of EU critical infrastructures and entities, as Russia’s influence in these bodies could jeopardise their well-functioning and ultimately constitute and hazard for the provision of essential services to the European citizens.
Energy
The Council introduced the prohibition to provide gas storage capacity (with the exclusion of the part of LNG facilities) to Russian nationals, in order to protect the security of gas supply in the EU, and avoid Russia’s weaponisation of its gas supply and risks of market manipulation.
Reporting obligations
In order to ensure the effectiveness of the asset freeze prohibitions, the Council decided to introduce more detailed reporting obligations on funds and economic resources belonging to listed individuals and entities which have been frozen or were subject to any move shortly before the listing. The Council also introduced new reporting obligations to the Member States and to the Commission on immobilized reserves and assets of the Central Bank of Russia. Moreover, aircraft operators will have to notify non-scheduled flights to their national competent authorities, which will then inform other member states.
Individual listings
In addition to economic sanctions, the Council decided to list a significant amount of additional individuals and entities.
Three Russian banks have been added to the list of entities subject to the asset freeze and the prohibition to make funds and economic resources available.
In the European Council conclusions of 9 February 2023, the EU reiterated its resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the UN Charter, and has brought immense suffering and destruction upon Ukraine and its people.
Russia must stop this atrocious war immediately.
The European Union will stand by Ukraine with steadfast support for as long as it takes, and remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the EU.
10th package of sanctions on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: the EU includes additional 87 individuals and 34 entities to the EU’s sanctions list
Within the comprehensive tenth package of sanctions adopted earlier today, the Council decided to impose restrictive measures on an additional 87 individuals and 34 entities. This was decided in response to the gravity of the continued Russian full-scale invasion and military aggression against Ukraine, which was launched one year ago today on 24 February.
Today we are targeting 121 individuals and entities who are instrumental in the continuation of this brutal war, including those responsible for military activities, for political decisions, who are polluting the public space with disinformation and malicious narratives, adding to the military warfare also through information warfare. We are also targeting those involved in inhumane deportations and forced adoption of Ukrainian children to Russia, as well as those responsible for the development of drones that are targeting Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure. We will continue to increase pressure on Russia so as long as it takes.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
The 121 new listings cover various categories of individuals and entities, who all contribute in their own way to the war:
At political/institutional level, the Council designates key decision makers, such as:
- new Members of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation since 20 December 2022, including the representative of the illegally annexed so-called “Luhansk People’s Republic” and Deputy Secretary of the General Council of the “United Russia” Party
- 19 Deputy Ministers and a number of Russian Government officials, including Heads of federal agencies
- 4 Deputies of the State Duma
- the All-Russia People’s Front and 5 individuals related to it. The movement All-Russia People’s Front (ONF) is organising a social campaign “All for Victory!” through which it collects physical and financial donations to support the military units of the so-called “Donetsk People’s Republic” and “Luhansk People's Republic”
In the Russian military and defence sector, a substantial number of designations are adopted including Russian military leaders and two military commanders of the Wagner group deployed in areas of Ukraine where atrocities against civilians were committed, companies manufacturing missiles, drones, aircrafts, military vehicles, warships or control systems, and supplying the Russian Armed Forces.
The Council is also imposing sanctions against individuals responsible for the deportation and forced adoption of Ukrainian children. The deportation of innocent Ukrainian children from occupied areas by Russian forces to be adopted to Russian families is a clear violation of human rights and international law. To address the continued occupation of areas of Ukraine, the Council also targeted proxy authorities, such as the so-called prosecutors in the four illegally annexed Ukrainian regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia and the so-called Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Donetsk Peoples Republic.
The Council is also imposing sanctions on organisations, like Rossyia Segodnya, and individuals including writers, presenters and high-level executives in major TV channels and media groups, propagandists and other personalities. They are polluting the public space with disinformation, adding to the military warfare through information warfare
Four Iranian individuals involved in the elaboration and supply of drones used by Russia against Ukraine are sanctioned.
Today’s listings also cover economic actors in sectors providing a substantial source of revenue or supporting financially the government of Russia. The sanctioned entities include banks such as Alfa-Bank, Rosbank, and Tinkoff Bank, the National Wealth Fund of the Russian Federation, and the Russian National Reinsurance Company.
Altogether, EU restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine now apply to a total of 1473 individuals and 205 entities. Those designated are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Natural persons are additionally subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories.
In the European Council conclusions of 9 February 2023, the EU reiterated its resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the UN Charter, and has brought immense suffering and destruction upon Ukraine and its people.
Russia must stop this atrocious war immediately.
The European Union will stand by Ukraine with steadfast support for as long as it takes, and remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The relevant legal acts, including the names of the listed individuals and entities, have been published in the Official Journal of the EU.
European Commission Statement
The Commission welcomes the Council's adoption of a 10th package of sanctions against Russia and those that support it in its illegal aggression against Ukraine. 24 February marks one year since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and 9 years since the beginning of Russia's illegal invasion and occupation of Ukrainian territory. This package is turning up the pressure in response to Putin's brutal war, including viciously targeting civilians and critical infrastructure. In order to further increase the effectiveness of EU sanctions, today's package contains new listings plus trade and financial sanctions, including further export bans worth more than €11 billion, depriving the Russian economy of critical tech and industrial goods. It also steps up enforcement and anti-circumvention measures, including a new reporting obligation on Russian Central Bank assets.
Specifically, this package contains the following elements:
Additional listings
The EU has added about 121 individuals and entities to our sanction list, including Russian decision-makers, senior government officials and military leaders complicit in the war against Ukraine, as well as proxy authorities installed by Russia in the occupied territories in Ukraine, among others. The list also includes key figures involved in the kidnapping of Ukrainian children to Russia, as well as organisations and individuals, who are polluting the public space with disinformation, adding to the military warfare through information warfare. Measures are also taken against individuals in Iran who are involved in the elaboration of drones and components supporting Russia's military. In addition, members and supporters of Russia's Wagner mercenary group and its activities in other countries, such as Mali or Central African Republic, are also targeted.
Additional EU export bans and restrictions
New export restrictions have been introduced on sensitive dual-use and advanced technologies that contribute to Russia's military capabilities and technological enhancement, based on information received from Ukraine, our Member States and our partners. This includes additional electronic components used in Russian weapons systems (drones, missiles, helicopters, other vehicles), as well as bans on specific rare earths and thermal cameras with military applications. Moreover, we are also listing 96 additional entities associated to Russia's military-industrial complex, bringing the total of military end-users that are listed to 506. This includes, for the first time, seven Iranian entities that have been using EU components and providing Russia with military "Shahed" drones to attack civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. Importantly, we are working in close coordination with partners, and are adding Australia, Canada and New Zealand and Norway to the list of our partner countries.
Additional export bans are now also imposed on goods that can be easily redirected to be used to support the Russian war effort including:
- Vehicles: heavy trucks not yet banned (and their spare parts), semi-trailers, and special vehicles such as snowmobiles;
- Goods easily directed to the Russian military: including electric generators, binoculars, radars, compass, etc.;
- Construction goods such as bridges, structures for buildings tower-like, fork-lifts trucks, cranes, etc.;
- Goods that are critical for the functioning and enhancement of Russian industrial capacity (electronics, machine parts, pumps, machinery for working metals, etc.);
- Complete industrial plants: this category has been added to avoid loopholes;
- Goods used in the aviation industry (turbojets).
These new bans and restrictions cover EU exports worth EUR 11.4 billion (2021 data). They come on top of the €32.5 billion worth of exports already sanctioned in the previous packages. With today's package, the EU has sanctioned in total nearly close to half (49%) of its 2021 exports to Russia.
Additional imports bans into the EU
Today's package imposes import bans on the following Russian high-revenue goods:
- Bitumen and related materials like asphalt; and
- Synthetic rubber and carbon blacks.
These new import bans cover EU imports worth almost EUR 1.3 billion and they come on top of €90 billion already sanctioned, representing altogether 58% of the EU's 2021 imports.
Financial sector
Three Russian banks have been added to the list of entities subject to the asset freeze and the prohibition to make funds and economic resources available.
Other measures include the following:
- A ban on Russian nationals from serving on governing bodies of Member States' critical infrastructure companies;
- Prohibition on Russian nationals and entities to book gas storage capacity in the Union (LNG excluded);
- Measures to facilitate the divestment from Russia by EU operators;
A third country shipping company, suspected of helping Russia circumvent sanctions on oil exports, has also been listed.
Enforcement and anti-circumvention measures
Today's package imposes new reporting obligations on Russian Central Bank assets. This is especially important regarding the possible use of public Russian assets to fund the reconstruction of Ukraine after Russia is defeated.
Other measures include the following:
- reporting obligations on frozen assets (including for dealings before listings) and assets which should be frozen;
- Private flights between the EU and Russia, directly or via third countries, should be notified in advance;
- Prohibition to transit dual use goods and firearms via the territory of Russia to third countries.
In addition to today's package, the EU sanctions envoy David O'Sullivan is reaching out to third countries, to ensure strict implementation of sanctions and prevent circumvention. On 23 February, the first Sanctions Coordinators Forum took place in Brussels, gathering our international partners and Member States, to strengthen enforcement efforts.
Additional bans on Russian disinformation outlets
Two additional Russian media outlets have been added to the media ban.
Technical amendments
- Amendment to allow the provision of pilot services necessary for maritime safety;
- Definition of the term “import” to avoid goods being “stranded” in long customs procedures;
Background
The EU's sanctions against Russia are proving effective. They are limiting Russia's ability to wage the war against Ukraine, including to manufacture new weapons and repair existing ones, as well as hinder its transport of material.
The geopolitical, economic, and financial implications of Russia's continued war of aggression against Ukraine are clear, as the war has disrupted global commodities markets, especially for agrifood products and energy. The EU continues to ensure that its sanctions do not impact energy and agrifood exports from Russia to third countries.
As guardian of the EU Treaties, the European Commission monitors the enforcement of EU sanctions across the EU.
The EU stands united in its solidarity with Ukraine, and will continue to support Ukraine and its people together with its international partners, including through additional political, financial, military and humanitarian support for as long as necessary.