**10,000 Fans Incentive Plan
The European Union on Wednesday (21 February) approved the 13th sanctions against Russia, including a ban on exports to three Chinese companies and a blacklist of North Korea's defense minister.
The Belgian presidency of the European Union noted that "the EU ambassador has just agreed in principle on the 13th sanctions package within the framework of Russia's aggression against Ukraine". The new package adds nearly 200 entities and individuals to the list, but there are no new industry sanctions.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the agreement reached by the EU27, saying it would further reduce "Russia's access to drones." She said on the social ** platform X: "We must continue to fight Putin's war machine. ”
The EU is increasingly targeting third countries that help Moscow circumvent sanctions, including companies from Turkey and India.
As part of the new package, the EU has also imposed an asset freeze and visa ban on North Korean Defense Minister Kang Soon-nam for sending ballistic missiles to Moscow, diplomats said.
Saturday (24 February) marks the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The European Union has imposed unprecedented sanctions on Russia in two years, blacklisting around 2,000** and entities so far.
Russia's economy has remained resilient despite economic penalties, and the Kremlin has succeeded in ramping up military production.