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Ursula von der Leyen in the EU Parliament: Also target companies that are close to the Revolutionary Guard
Photo: FREDERICK FLORIN / AFP
The European Union is working on another sanctions package ahead of the anniversary of Russia's February 24 attack on Ukraine.
"We are talking about around eleven billion euros," said EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in the European Parliament.
The individual measures should not only be directed against Russia, but also against Iran, she said.
Russia uses Iranian-made drones for attacks in Ukraine.
Therefore, it is suggested that Iranian companies should also be targeted, including those with ties to the Revolutionary Guard.
According to von der Leyen, the Russian war machine should be specifically weakened with the tenth package of sanctions.
"We have to keep up the pressure." There should be restrictions on certain electronic components used in drones, rockets and helicopters.
Machine parts and spare parts for trucks and jet engines are also included.
Further banks are to be excluded from Swift
This affects numerous goods with dual use, so-called dual-use goods, which can be used for both civil and military purposes.
Seven Iranian facilities are said to be affected by restrictions.
Von der Leyen said there would then be a complete ban on selling certain goods to Russia.
In addition, according to diplomats, four other Russian banks are to be excluded from the Swift international payment system, including Alfa-Bank and Rosbank.
Rubber and asphalt should also be added to the list of prohibited commodities.
However, all 27 EU member states have to agree to all of these plans, which has recently repeatedly led to tedious debates.
In Brussels, representatives of the EU countries wanted to discuss details on Wednesday.
At an EU summit last week, von der Leyen confirmed that her authority would propose the sanctions package against Russia in the coming days.
The package also includes further sanctions against a number of political and military leaders.
"We will take action against Putin's propagandists, because their lies poison public space in Russia and abroad," von der Leyen said.
The first EU sanctions package against Iran over drone deliveries to Russia came into force on October 20.
Companies and individuals are affected.
Sentences were also imposed on the Revolutionary Guards in the wake of violence against demonstrators in Iran.
The Revolutionary Guards are the elite unit of the armed forces in Iran and far more important than the classic army.
Apr/Reuters/dpa
