EU extends sanctions on Putin ally's family member until 2026
- The EU is preparing a new sanctions package targeting Russian oil, banks, and individuals responsible for the war in Ukraine.
- Anastasia Ignatova, linked to Rostec's CEO, faces extended sanctions as evidence suggests her ties provide undue advantages.
- As EU member states continue negotiations, their differing perspectives on sanctions reflect their economic interests and geopolitical landscape.
In recent developments, the European Union has been focusing on implementing comprehensive sanctions against Russia in response to its ongoing military aggression in Ukraine. Anastasia Ignatova, the stepdaughter of Sergei Chemezov, the head of the Russian state conglomerate Rostec, has been a notable subject of EU sanctions, with her case highlighted due to her connections to high-ranking Kremlin officials. In April 2022, sanctions were imposed on Ignatova, which have now been extended until mid-March 2026. The Council of the European Union cited her appearance in the 2017 Pirelli calendar, among other assets, as justification for maintaining these sanctions, suggesting that her prominence in such a setting indicates the advantages gained from her relationships with influential figures like Chemezov. As discussions surrounding broader sanctions continue, key issues under consideration include limiting tourist visas for Russian citizens and targeting Russian oil imports. The EU's ongoing assessments of its sanction strategies are constantly being influenced by various member states' standings on Russian oil dependence, especially from countries such as Slovakia and Hungary. These nations often oppose stringent measures that could impact their national economies, highlighting the complex dynamics within the EU regarding sanctions policy in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Amid these discussions, the EU is also exploring the establishment of a “drone wall” to bolster defense capabilities along its eastern flank. This initiative aims to enhance surveillance and deterrence capabilities against potential threats, notably from Russian forces, underscoring the multifaceted challenges Europe faces as it navigates its defense and foreign policy during this tense geopolitical climate.