The European Union's (EU) foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has stated that as part of preparing the 21st sanctions package against Russia, restrictions could target companies from several third countries, including Kazakhstan. This concerns new export control measures and restrictions on organisations that, in the EU's assessment, provide support to the Russian military-industrial complex.
WHAT KAJA KALLAS SAID
As Kaja Kallas reported on the social network X, the EU has presented proposals for the 21st sanctions package against Russia.
"Step by step, we are dismantling the foundations of Russia's war economy. Today, we are presenting our proposals for the 21st sanctions package against Russia," wrote Kaja Kallas.
According to her, the package provides for a temporary freeze on the price cap for Russian oil, as well as restrictions on entities that, in the EU's view, are used by Moscow to generate revenue and circumvent sanctions.
"Banks, arms manufacturers, oil traders, oil refineries and cryptocurrency operators in third countries will be subject to restrictions," noted the head of European diplomacy.
WHICH COMPANIES COULD FACE RESTRICTIONS
Kaja Kallas stated that the new measures are also aimed at organisations that, in the EU's assessment, provide support to the Russian military-industrial complex.
"The new lists will include more than 30 entities linked to the production of drones, as well as new export controls on 50 companies, including organisations based in China, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, the UAE and India," her statement reads.
However, it is not specified which particular Kazakh companies could face restrictions. There is also no data on the number of organisations from Kazakhstan that might be included in the sanctions list.
WHICH GOODS ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS
The European Union is also proposing to restrict the export of additional materials and technologies, including nickel powders, metals and high-performance alloys.
At the same time, new restrictions are envisaged on the import of a number of goods, including car parts, certain precious metal ores and chemical products.
A separate measure proposes introducing a full visa ban for former and current members of the Russian armed forces and affiliated formations.
"Europe's doors should not remain open to current and former members of the Russian armed forces," declared the head of European diplomacy.
CONTEXT
The EU has previously included companies from Kazakhstan in sanctions lists related to Russia. In April, the EU approved the 20th sanctions package, which included organisations from Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan.
At that time, restrictions affected 120 individuals and legal entities, and among the companies from third countries mentioned was the Kazakh United Trading Group. The European side stated that the restrictions concerned suppliers of high-tech products and dual-use goods.
Furthermore, in 2024, the Kazakh company Elem Group LLP was added to the EU sanctions lists. The European side linked the company to the possible circumvention of trade restrictions.