Brussels: The European Union is poised to deploy sanctions against specific vessels involved in facilitating the flow of military equipment from North Korea to Russia.
Sources within Brussels indicate that these measures will be a component of the forthcoming 14th package of sanctions against Russia, currently being finalized by the European Commission, as reported by Reuters.
Unraveling the Arms Transfer Web
Insiders reveal that the EU’s new set of sanctions is scheduled for discussion toward the end of April, as member states deliberate on how best to apply pressure on Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Previous allegations from Western nations have implicated North Korea in supplying Russia with weaponry, including ballistic missiles and ammunition. In February, the United States asserted that North Korea had shipped over 10,000 containers of munitions and related materials to Russia since September 2023.
Both Moscow and Pyongyang have consistently refuted these allegations. North Korea’s Ministry of Defense stated, “We have never had ‘weapon deals’ with Russia and there are no plans to do so in the future.”
Widening the Net of Sanctions
The proposed sanctions extend beyond military cargo ships, potentially targeting the so-called “shadow fleet” tankers that transport Russian oil in violation of imposed price caps.
Moreover, around 40 Russian companies procuring equipment for military purposes, as well as third-country entities selling Russia military-grade electronics, semiconductors, and chips, are included on the list.
Sources suggest that companies from Turkey, the UAE, China, and Hong Kong, which have previously faced US restrictions, could also fall under these new EU sanctions.
These firms are believed to have supplied Russia with technologies linked to missile navigation systems, European-made antennas, and components used in military computing hardware.
Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, announced earlier this month that the 14th sanctions package against Russia “is expected to be adopted this spring.”
The previous 13th package was introduced on February 23, targeting 106 individuals, 88 entities, and 27 foreign organizations directly supporting Russia’s military-industrial complex.
