Newsletter of the main news 27.07/02.08

1. International Sanctions Policy

The European Union is preparing a new sanctions package that could target more than 1,600 companies supporting Russia's war effort. The measures are expected to expand restrictions on businesses involved in supplying goods and technologies to Russia's military-industrial complex.

At the same time, discussions continue within the EU over the scope of future sanctions. Several Member States are reportedly reluctant to support another large-scale package, highlighting the growing political challenges of maintaining consensus on sanctions policy.

The EU has authorised TotalEnergies to export Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Asian markets. The decision is intended to allow the fulfilment of existing contractual obligations while limiting potential disruptions to global energy markets.

The EU has also lifted sanctions on Russian sable fur, marking one of the few recent examples of sanctions relief on Russian goods.

The U.S. Senate has advanced a bill introducing additional sanctions against Russia through a procedural vote. The proposed legislation would tighten restrictions on Russia's energy sector, financial system, and entities facilitating sanctions evasion.

The wife of Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has challenged her EU sanctions designation before the Court of Justice of the European Union, seeking €2 million in damages and arguing that the restrictive measures were unjustified.

France has ordered the deportation of the former head of RT France, citing her role in disseminating Russian state propaganda and concerns over national security.

Montenegro will introduce visa requirements for Russian citizens starting on 1 November, further aligning its migration policy with European Union standards.

Russia and Belarus will remain prohibited from competing under their national flags at the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships, maintaining existing restrictions on national representation.

The International Boxing Association (IBA) has lifted sanctions against Russia, allowing Russian athletes to compete internationally under their national flag and anthem once again.

Former Italian football star Andrea Pirlo will not become the next head coach of the Italian national team. According to Italian media, concerns over his previous professional ties to Russia contributed to the decision.

2. Sanctions Violations and Circumvention

Italian authorities have boarded and inspected a tanker believed to be part of Russia's "shadow fleet." The operation forms part of broader international efforts to disrupt sanctions evasion through illicit maritime activities.

Russia continues to obtain defence-related goods of European origin through intermediary supply chains involving India. Such routing allows sensitive products to reach Russia despite existing export restrictions.

Since late June, around 40 companies with elevated sanctions risks have been identified in Kyrgyzstan. The firms are suspected of facilitating the re-export of restricted goods to Russia.

The European Union is considering sanctions against an Irish manufacturer whose products reportedly end up in Russia's defence industry. However, concerns about the potential economic impact on the EU are complicating the decision-making process.

Russia's defence industry remains heavily dependent on imported critical minerals, underscoring its continued reliance on foreign supplies despite extensive international sanctions.

Georgia has increased imports of Russian wheat, reflecting the continuation of bilateral trade despite the broader international sanctions environment.

3. Ukraine's Sanctions Policy

The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine has challenged in court the decision to reinstate the membership of the Russian Olympic Committee. Ukrainian officials argue that the reinstatement contradicts the fundamental principles of the international sports movement and undermines accountability for Russia's aggression.