EU prepares largest package of listings targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex, Kallas says
European Union Member States will provide Ukraine with air defence that “we have been so long asking for”, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas told journalists after the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers (Gymnich), held in Wicklow, Ireland, on 1 and 2 September.
Held under the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU, the meeting also brought together counterparts from Ukraine, Canada, Iceland, Norway, the United Kingdom and Switzerland to discuss security challenges in Ukraine.
“Moscow has not changed its war aims. Russian strikes on Kyiv again killed dozens in recent days. This makes it abundantly clear that Moscow does not want peace. Our immediate focus continues to be giving Ukraine what it needs to defend itself,” Kallas told reporters.
Kallas also said the EU was preparing the largest package of listings, up to 1,600 in the pipeline, targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex.
In parallel, the EU would target sanctions circumvention, Kallas said.
“Ukraine has identified more than 5,500 Western and Asian components in Russian weapons. After four years of war, this is inexcusable. Those components should not be there. Together with the Commission, we are working on the new proposals to tighten sanctions enforcement.”
Some Ministers also raised again the use of immobilised Russian assets. The discussion will continue. Russia must pay for the destruction it has caused.
Ministers also discussed Russian strikes on grain ships in the Black Sea, which “could cause another worldwide food security shock”, and Ukraine’s winter resilience.
“We need to prepare Kyiv for another hard winter. I thank those who have already pledged new support for the Ukraine Energy Support Fund as we work to replenish Ukraine’s reserve of spare parts and generators,” Kallas said.
The EU High Representative also told journalists that ministers showed “broad support to move with an EU visa entry ban for Russian ex-combatants and tougher visa restrictions for Russian tourists”.
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