EU sanctions Russian officials as Hungary blocks funds to Ukraine
Al Jazeera
European Union fails to approve further Russia sanctions and a $106bn loan to Ukraine after Hungary refuses to agree.
The European Union has imposed sanctions on a new group of eight Russian individuals suspected of serious human rights violations, as EU member state Hungary vetoed additional sanctions on Moscow and a crucial loan for Ukraine on the eve of the war’s fourth anniversary.
The European Council on Monday said the individuals were members of the judiciary responsible for sentencing prominent Russian activists on politically motivated charges, as well as heads of penal colonies where political prisoners were held in inhuman and degrading conditions.
Under the sanctions, the individuals are banned from travelling to or transiting through the EU, their assets are frozen, and EU citizens and companies are prohibited from making funds available to them.
So far, 72 individuals have been hit by similar measures, including members of the judiciary, Ministry of Justice officials, and senior figures within Russia’s prison network.
The announcement came as the bloc failed to agree on a 20th sanctions package targeting the Russian authorities more broadly and a $106bn loan for Ukraine.
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