European authorities are developing a new, 12th package of sanctions against Russia. As part of it, Brussels wants to ban the export of machine tools and components to the Russian Federation, Bloomberg writes with reference to the relevant document.
It is specified that the European Union intends to block the export to the Russian Federation of chemicals, lithium batteries, thermostats and engines for drones. In fact, Brussels intends to stifle the sector responsible for the production of unmanned aerial vehicles.
The document indicates that the restrictions will also affect liquid propane, copper wire, foil, pipes, and cast iron. The 12th package of sanctions will include a ban on the import of Russian diamonds. The measure may enter into force on January 1, 2024. Later, the restrictions will also affect precious stones processed in third countries.
Brussels wants to regulate the legal part of European companies' contracts. The authorities intend to oblige businesses to include a clause in contracts prohibiting the re-export of certain categories of goods to Russia. If the proposals are approved, the restrictions will affect more than three dozen companies. These will include firms from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Singapore.
The Kremlin has repeatedly noted that Russia has adapted to Western sanctions by launching an import substitution program. Rostec emphasized that the restrictions complicated the work, but did not stop the development of domestic aviation.