Russian Oligarchs

• The EU Council approved a new sanctions package on April 11 targeting 28 Russian oligarchs and 15 companies involved in military procurement, freezing assets valued at approximately €3.2 billion. • The sanctions aim to disrupt Russian defense supply chains and increase pressure on Moscow's ability to sustain military operations in Ukraine, with measures including travel bans and financial transaction restrictions. • EU Foreign Affairs Chief Josep Borrell stated the sanctions demonstrate "unwavering support" for Ukraine, though critics argue they remain insufficient to alter Russian strategic calculations.

• The European Union imposed sanctions on 45 Russian businessmen and military contractors on April 9, freezing their assets and banning transactions worth an estimated €8.3 billion in response to what Brussels termed "financing of the war in Ukraine and sanctions evasion."​ • The new measures target individuals accused of shell company networks used to circumvent previous sanctions, with particular focus on the defense and energy sectors supplying Russian military operations. • EU officials stated the expanded sanctions list represents the 14th round of measures against Russia since February 2022, with the bloc pledging continued escalation if Moscow does not halt military operations.

• The European Union announced a new sanctions package targeting 18 Russian oligarchs and 42 entities on Wednesday, citing evidence of sophisticated sanctions evasion schemes involving cryptocurrency and shell companies across multiple jurisdictions. • The targeted individuals reportedly transferred approximately $2.3 billion through complex financial networks designed to circumvent existing sanctions imposed following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. • EU officials coordinated closely with US Treasury Department and UK authorities, with the announcement emphasizing enhanced coordination mechanisms to close loopholes in enforcement and detection capabilities.