The EU is imposing sanctions on some Russian officials and targeting its oil and gas vessels

BRUSSELS (AP) – The European Union on Monday imposed new sanctions on several officials linked to Russia's war in Ukraine, including two top North Korean defense officials, a military unit accused of attacking a Kyiv children's hospital and heads of companies in Ukraine. energy sector.

Many shadow Russian vessels used by Moscow to intercept oil and gas shipments, or to carry stolen Ukrainian grain, were also targeted. Fifty-two ships have been added to the growing list of ships banned from European ports and cut off from services.

“This package of sanctions is part of our response to weaken the Russian war and those who enable this war, including Chinese companies,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. “We will oppose the Ukrainian people on all fronts: humanitarian, economic, political, diplomatic and military.”

In total, EU foreign ministers have frozen the assets of 54 individuals and 30 “entities”, which are often companies, ministries, government agencies or other organisations. Officials were also prevented from traveling.

The EU has imposed several rounds of sanctions on Russia since President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops into Ukraine in February 2022. More than 2,300 officials and organizations are now affected.

North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang Chol was targeted for direct participation in military cooperation, including sending thousands of troops to Russia. The Vice Chief of the Army General Staff, Kim Yong Bok, was also accused of going to Russia to oversee their deployment.

Several companies have also been targeted, including Russian defense firms, a chemical industry and a Russian civil aviation company that provides aid to the military. Actions have also been taken against Chinese people suspected of supplying drone parts and electronic equipment.

Interests in China, India, Iran, Serbia and the United Arab Emirates accused of helping Russia circumvent EU sanctions or trade restrictions on the movement of critical materials used by Moscow in drones and missiles were also hit.