The EU Council approved the sixth package of economic and personal sanctions against Russia and Belarus.

This is reported by "European Truth".

With today's package, we strengthen restrictions on the Kremlin's ability to finance the war by imposing further economic sanctions. We are banning Russian oil imports to the EU, and thus reducing a huge source of revenue for Russia. We disconnect more key Russian banks from the international payment system SWIFT. We also impose sanctions on those responsible for the atrocities that occurred in Bucha and Mariupol, and ban more disinformation disseminators who actively promote President Putin's war propaganda," said European diplomatic chief Josep Borrell.

It is noted that the new package includes a number of measures aimed at effectively preventing Russia's ability to continue its aggression.

In particular, the EU decided to prohibit the purchase, import or transportation of crude oil and some petroleum products from Russia to the EU. The phase-out of Russian oil will last from six months for crude oil to eight months for other petroleum products.

"A temporary waiver is envisioned for crude oil imports by pipeline to those EU member states that, because of their geographic location, suffer from a specific dependence on Russian supplies and have no viable alternatives. In addition, Bulgaria and Croatia also benefit from temporary exemptions on imports of Russian offshore crude oil and vacuum gas oil, respectively," the EU Council said.

In addition, the EU extends the current ban on specialized financial messaging services (SWIFT) to three additional Russian credit institutions - Russia's largest bank Sberbank, the Credit Bank of Moscow and the Russian Agricultural Bank - as well as the Belarusian Bank for Development and Reconstruction.

The EU is also suspending the broadcasting on its territory of three more Russian state television channels: Russia RTR/RTR Planet, Russia 24/Russia 24, and International Telecentre.

"These structures were used by the Russian government as tools to manipulate information and disseminate disinformation about the invasion of Ukraine, including propaganda, in order to destabilize Russia's neighboring countries, the EU and its member states. According to the Charter of Fundamental Rights, these measures will not prevent these media and their employees from carrying out activities in the EU other than broadcasting, such as research and interviews," the EU Council explained.

In addition, the EU expanded the list of persons and organizations that are subject to restrictions on exports of dual-use goods and technologies. Such additions to the list include both Russian and Belarusian organizations. In addition, the EU will expand the list of goods and technologies that can contribute to the technological development of Russia's defense and security sector. It includes 80 chemicals that can be used to produce chemical weapons.

The EU will prohibit the provision of accounting services in Russia, related PR and consulting services, as well as cloud services.

In addition, the EU Council decided to impose sanctions on additional individuals and legal entities: those responsible for the atrocities of Russian troops in Bucha and Mariupol, those who support the war, leading businessmen and family members of oligarchs and Kremlin officials, as well as defense and financial organizations.

The relevant regulations will soon be published in the Official Journal of the EU.

Recall that EU leaders at a summit held on May 30-31 made a political decision to impose an oil embargo against Russia.

French President Emmanuel Macron also said that the package included restrictions for 80 Russian oligarchs.

According to media reports, the package was intended to include personal sanctions against Patriarch Kirill, but it failed due to Hungary's position.