More Sanctions Slapped On Russia

New sanctions have been imposed by the European Union (EU) on Russian officials, propagandists, companies, and family members of individuals who have already been sanctioned, including workers of RIA Novosti and the head of Roskomnadzor.

Photo Insert: Included in the fresh set of Western sanctions were employees of RIA Novosti.

Former gymnast Alina Kabaeva, suspected of being Russian President Vladimir Putin's mistress, is among the 1,158 persons and 98 companies sanctioned by the EU.

Belarus has also been sanctioned by the EU. Belaruskali, one of the world's largest manufacturers of potash fertilizers, the state-owned Belteleradio broadcaster, the Naftan oil refinery, and Belarus's largest tobacco producer are among the 12 persons and eight legal companies targeted by the sanctions, Ukraine Daily reported.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated that Ukraine must meet all of the essential requirements and conditions for membership, but urged the EU to assist Ukraine in achieving its objectives.

“Supporting Ukraine on its way to the European Union is not a burden, it is our historical responsibility,” she added. Ukraine’s admission to the EU is the bloc’s “moral duty,” she argued.

The Swiss government recently disclosed that it had rejected a Danish request to supply 22 Piranha III infantry fighting vehicles and a German request to supply 12,400 rounds of ammunition for Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, as well as for Piranha III vehicles.

However, it allowed Germany to freely dispose of Leopard 2 tanks previously sold back to defense group Rheinmetall. Ukraine has previously urged Germany to supply Leopard tanks. Due to its neutral position, Switzerland historically prohibited the shipment of Swiss-made weapons to conflict zones.

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