EU imposes new sanctions on Russia

The European Union agreed on Saturday to impose new sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. In a statement, the EU said the new sanctions were “directed at military and political decision-makers, companies supporting or acting in the Russian military industry, and commanders of the Wagner Group.”

The EU sanctions also barred three more Russian banks from doing business with Iran and restricted exports of drones used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to attack Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.

The new measure, announced Saturday, was adopted after many internal disagreements over its exact composition and was made public a day after the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In an intelligence update on Saturday, the UK Defense Ministry said Russia has likely exhausted Iran’s supply of one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicles, or OWA-UAVs.

There have been no reports of vehicles being used in Ukraine since February 15, and at least 24 vehicles were reported to have been shot down in late January and early February, the ministry said.

“The score was destroyed in the first few days of the year,” the ministry said.

Ukrainian and Western officials also say Western sanctions are hampering Russia’s ability to replenish its stock of guided weapons that rely on imported microchips.

Russian Officials Answer

In response to the report, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (now deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council) said that Moscow was increasing military production at some factories “tens of times”, and that from the Ukrainian side Russia said it was closely investigating the weapons fired into its controlled areas. Efforts to gain an advantage.

“We are not only scaling up production, but we are also putting in the latest technology and literally completing ‘work in progress,’” he said in an article published on Saturday. national defense magazine.

“It was interesting to hear the visionaries in Kiev reasoning that ‘missiles are gone’ or ‘production has stopped’ in Russia.”

In a video address on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia must prevent Russia from “turning into tangible breadcrumbs Ukraine, its neighbors and the whole of Europe where Russian treason is trying to reach.” warned.

Ukrainian leaders have also called for more sanctions pressure on Russia after the UK, US and European Union have all announced new measures aimed at further cutting off Russian funding and support.

Financial leaders blame Moscow

At the G-20 summit in Bangalore, India on Saturday, the finance chiefs of the world’s largest economies accused Moscow of war against Ukraine, with only China and Russia refusing to sign a joint statement.

Unable to reach consensus, India, which will hold the presidency of the G-20 this year, wrote in its so-called “Chairman’s Summary” that “most members strongly condemned the war in Ukraine, which has caused enormous human suffering.” , exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.” world economy. ”

The abstract stated that upholding international law is essential, stating that “the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is unacceptable. Resolving disputes peacefully, tackling crises, diplomacy and dialogue are essential. It should not be war.”

The declaration noted that references to war were “agreed by all member states except Russia and China.”

US pledges another $2 billion to Ukraine

On Friday, one year after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the White House announced that the Pentagon would pledge another $2 billion in military aid to Ukraine’s defense against Russia. This package includes additional ammunition for the HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System), 155 mm shells, ammunition for the laser-guided rocket system, and funds for training, maintenance, and equipment maintenance. President Joe Biden has reaffirmed his vow that “Ukraine will never be Russia’s victory.”

Zelensky is demanding fighter jets from the United States and allies, but White House officials say it’s not the weapon Ukrainians need in the short term.

“Currently, according to the U.S. military, there is no basis for offering the F-16,” President Joe Biden said. “We’re excluding them for now,” he said in an interview with ABC News on Friday.

US Secretary of State Antony Brinken reaffirmed US commitment to supporting Ukraine’s infrastructure. Brinken said the State Department is working with the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Treasury Department to provide $10 billion in assistance, including budget support for Ukraine and additional energy assistance to help Ukrainians suffering from Russian aggression. said there is.

The Finance Ministry said it was imposing sanctions on Russia’s metals and mining sectors, among others. The measure, taken in conjunction with the G-7 industrialized nations, punishes 250 individuals and companies, imposes a financial blockade on banks, arms dealers and technology companies associated with arms production, It aims to track down those who allegedly evade sanctions. From United Arab Emirates to Switzerland.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said: “Our sanctions are having short-term and long-term consequences, severely impacting Russia’s arms stockpile and its isolated economy.”

Anjana Pasricha of VOA contributed to this article from New Delhi. The Associated Press and Reuters provided some information for this report.