There European Commission has advanced a new proposal to intensify the penalties against Russiaby introducing measures that include the gradual prohibition of Russian primary aluminum imports e limitations on sales of video game consoleJoystick and flight simulators.
This sixteenth package of sanctions, developed in response to the invasion of Ukraine, was presented to the Member States last Tuesday. Primary aluminum is a key resource for the Russian economy, generating significant revenues that contribute to finance military aggression.
The proposal provides for a gradual prohibition of primary aluminum imports and Russian alloyswith a temporary exemption of 275,000 tons considered “necessary” during a period of transition of one year. According to Trade Data Monitor, the block of 27 members has imported almost 330,000 tons of Russian aluminum from January to November 2024 and over 500,000 tons in 2023.
The consoles may be used to control drones
Another crucial point concerns the limitation of sales of video game consoles such as Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, together with joystick and flight simulators, since they could be used to check drones. The head of EU foreign policy, Kaja Kallas, underlined how Russia is “truly creative” in re -read civil equipment for military purposes. These devices could therefore represent a threat if used in armed conflicts.
The proposal includes further restrictions on software exports linked to the exploration of oil and gas, as well as New rules for Russian ports, closed and airports used for the transfer of drones and missiles or to evade the roof at the price of the oil imposed by the G7.
About 75 new ships, mainly oil tankers, could be added to the list of 79 already sanctioned. In addition, the transition period for the ban on exporting Russian diamonds to third countries will be extended Until Septemberwhen a blockchain -based tracking system will become mandatory to ensure that the stones are not of Russian origin.
Despite the pressures of some Member States, the Commission has decided to, citing the difficulty of finding sufficient alternatives in a short time. This decision reflects the concerns related to the energy safety of the blockade, which continues to depend in part on Russian supplies.
