Kallas discloses targets of the 16th package of EU sanctions against Russia

The EU nations are still debating the specific details of the measures in the 16th package of sanctions against Russia, and a decision is expected in February.

This was stated by EU Chief Diplomat Kaja Kallas in a conversation with the media after an informal breakfast organized before the EU Council meeting on general issues.

“We are working on a new package of sanctions, and we want to finalize it in February. There are many different things in it. And, as you know, it requires negotiations between member states,” Kallas said.

“We really look at anything that helps Russia wage this war. Even items like game consoles because they are used to control drones. It’s also chemicals that the Russian military-industrial complex needs. Of course, we are also talking about energy. The final agreement will be clear when we reach an agreement,” she added.

Earlier, the media reported details that the 16th package of sanctions would target Russian aluminum, agricultural products, the “shadow fleet” of tankers, liquefied gas, and the banking sector.

On January 27, the EU managed to convince Hungary to approve the extension of economic sanctions against Russia, but with a concession to Budapest.

Kaja Kallas hinted that the statement on “energy security” in exchange for which Hungary supported the extension of sanctions against Russia was symbolic.

In her opinion, Hungary will not succeed in blocking the start of actual negotiations with Ukraine on joining the EU.

“EU Foreign Ministers just agreed to extend again the sanctions on Russia. This will continue to deprive Moscow of revenues to finance its war,” Kalla wrote.

Media outlets reported that Hungary demanded that the EU pressure Ukraine to maintain the transit of Russian oil and engage through Ukrainian territory in a dialogue on gas transit in exchange for its agreement to support the extension of sanctions against Russia.