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On 08 April, the EU adopted a fifth package of sanctions in response to the continuing war of aggression against Ukraine and the reported atrocities committed by Russian armed forces in Ukraine (see press release here).

The sanctions package includes a prohibition on the import of Russian coal into the EU, a ban on Russian-flagged ships from EU ports, a ban on Russian and Belarussian road transport operators from the EU, further export bans designed to degrade Russia’s technological base and industrial capacity, as well as further import bans aligning sanctions targeting Russia and Belarus. Additional targeted economic measures are intended to strengthen existing measures and close loopholes. Another 18 entities were added to the sanctions list, including four key Russian banks, representing 23% of market share in the Russian banking sector. 217 additional individuals were also designated, including oligarchs, propagandists, President Putin’s two daughters and members of the ‘parliaments’ and Ministers of the breakaway regions.

Additional sanctions measures are likely to be discussed by EU Foreign Ministers at a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday, 11 April.

Speaking about the introduction of this latest sanctions package, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney T.D., said:

“Ireland, along with our EU partners, has agreed another ambitious sanctions package. This is particularly important following the atrocities committed in Ukraine that came to light last week. Ireland continues to support the strongest possible sanctions, and I look forward to discussing further measures with my colleagues at the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on Monday. We must do what it takes to cut off funding to the Kremlin’s war effort, and to push those close to the regime to use their influence to bring this unjustified, illegal and immoral war to an end. The EU will continue its close cooperation with like-minded partners to coordinate on the toughest sanctions. We stand united with Ukraine”

For more information on the sanctions adopted since 23 February, see this information note, as well as the Department’s dedicated sanctions page. Updates are made to this information note on a regular basis.

ENDS