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New Ukrainian sanctions against Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has imposed new sanctions on the Russian financial sector in an attempt to weaken the aggressor’s wartime economy. Accordingly, not only representatives of the banking system in Russia are subject to punitive measures, but also the Moscow Stock Exchange. “Today there is a new sanction measure from our state against anyone who fuels Russian aggression,” Zelenskyj said in his video address that will be distributed every evening in Kiev on Sunday. The sanctions issued by decree form the basis for allies in the West to also issue such sanctions.

Zelenskyy recalled that in view of the anniversary of the start of the Russian offensive war this Friday, the tenth package of sanctions is already being prepared. “We are working with our partners to strengthen it,” said the head of state. In addition, the foreign ministers of the European Union want to discuss new punitive measures in Brussels this Monday. Zelenskyj demanded that every responsible state join the “sanctions against terror”.

Kiev: situation at the front “very difficult”

The president also said that he had been briefed by generals about the situation at the front. He gave no details. “The situation is very difficult,” he said, referring to the fighting in eastern Ukraine. “We are fighting. We are breaking the enemy invader and inflicting very heavy losses on Russia,” Zelensky said. The more casualties Russia suffers in Bakhmut, Wuhledar and other places in Donbass, the sooner Ukraine can end the war with victory.

The Russian offensive war against the neighboring country will enter its second year on Friday. Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion on February 24 last year – partly to protect the Russian-speaking population from attacks by Ukrainian nationalists. Since then, devastation and death have dominated everyday life in Ukraine as a result of Russian attacks with artillery, missiles and drones. More than 7,000 civilians have been killed in the war so far.

Russian governor: girl killed by artillery fire

The war continues to define life in the Russian border regions. In the Belgorod region, according to the governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, a 12-year-old girl died as a result of artillery fire from the Ukrainian side. The girl was fatally injured by a projectile on the street in a village in the region. Independent media reported that several houses and cars were damaged in the shelling. According to Gladkow, there was also shelling in other towns in the area, with some hitting power lines.

Authorities in the border regions, including Kursk and Bryansk, have repeatedly complained about shelling from the enemy side since the beginning of Russia’s offensive war against Ukraine. Many people have died, there are injuries and there is devastation. Russia has repeatedly threatened Ukraine that if shelling continues on its territory, it will attack command centers in the capital Kiev.

US government concerned about possible arms transfers from China to Russia

Meanwhile, the US government has expressed concern over possible arms sales from China to Russia. The United States has information that China is “contemplating lethal aid” to Russia, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on US television on Sunday. When asked what he meant by that, Blinken replied: “Weapons, mainly weapons.” Ammunition would also fall into this category, explains Blinken.

He did not say on what concrete indications this finding is based. He made it clear to China’s top foreign policy leader, Wang Yi, that such support poses a serious problem for US-China relations. According to Blinken, Chinese companies are already known to support Russia with a “non-lethal” device. This also includes commercial drones from manufacturer DJI, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.

Monday will be important

The foreign ministers of the EU countries want to discuss new sanctions against Russia and further military aid to Ukraine on Monday. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is expected in Brussels as a guest. With what is now the tenth package of sanctions, the EU wants to introduce further trade restrictions for electronics, special vehicles and machine parts. Tougher action must be taken to circumvent sanctions.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius visits the training of Ukrainian soldiers on German main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. To this end, the SPD politician travels to the Panzer Troops School in Munster, Lower Saxony. The delivery of Leopard 2 main battle tanks and Marder infantry fighting vehicles is part of German military aid to help Ukraine defend against Russia. (sda/dpa)