EU’s 19th Sanctions Package Could Extend to Two Central Asian Banks

The European Commission plans to present the 19th package of anti-Russian sanctions by September 12. According to European diplomats, banks from two Central Asian states may be included in the draft, Orda.kz reports.

Kommersant, citing Reuters, confirmed this information, though the publication did not specify the countries or banks involved.

On September 8 and 9, the EU’s special representative for sanctions, David O’Sullivan, will meet with his American counterparts in Washington to discuss next steps in pressuring Moscow and the details of the upcoming sanctions package.

EU Council President Antonio Costa stated that the new measures are being closely coordinated with the United States. Europe hopes for closer cooperation after Trump chose earlier this year to negotiate separately with Putin.

Bloomberg previously reported, citing its own sources, that the EU was considering expanding sanctions against around six Russian banks and energy companies. 

Potential measures include banning payment systems and bank card operators, imposing restrictions on cryptocurrency exchanges, and tightening controls on Russian oil exports. The agency also noted that exceptions currently benefiting major oil companies such as Rosneft and LUKOIL are expected to be lifted.

The possible instruments against sanctions circumvention could extend to Kazakhstan.

Original Author: Raushan Korzhumbekova