The Council of the European Union approved the 13th package of individual and economic sanctions, timed to coincide with the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion and war of aggression against Ukraine.

The corresponding decision was made on Friday in Brussels according to a written procedure, the EU press service reports.

"The Council adopted today - in view of the second year mark of the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine - a thirteenth package of restrictive measures against Putin's regime, those who are responsible for perpetuating his illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression and those who are significantly supporting it," the press release notes.

"As we reach the sad mark of two years since Vladimir Putin launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the European Union keeps up the pressure on Russia. Today, we are further tightening the restrictive measures against Russia's military and defence sector, targeting further entities in third countries who supply equipment as well as those responsible for the illegal deportation and military re-education of Ukrainian children. We remain united in our determination to dent Russia's war machine and help Ukraine win its legitimate fight for self-defense and restore its independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty," Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said.

The Council decided to impose restrictive measures on an additional 106 individuals and 88 entities responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

"The new listings agreed today target primarily the military and defence sectors and associated individuals, including those involved in DPRK armament supply to Russia, as well as members of the judiciary, local politicians and people responsible for the illegal deportation and military re-education of Ukrainian children," the report notes.

Altogether, EU restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine now apply to over 2000 individuals and entities altogether. Those designated are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Natural persons are additionally subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories.

The Council added 27 new entities to the list of those directly supporting Russia's military and industrial complex in its war of aggression against Ukraine. They will be subject to tighter export restrictions concerning dual use goods and technologies, as well as goods and technology which might contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia's defence and security sector. Some of these entities are located in third countries (India, Sri Lanka, China, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Thailand, and Türkiye) and have been involved in the circumvention of trade restrictions, others are Russian entities involved in the development, production and supply of electronic components for Russia's military and industrial complex.

Furthermore, today's decision expands the list of restricted items that could contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia's defence and security sector by adding components for the development and production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

Lastly, the EU introduced further restrictions on exports of goods which contribute in particular to the enhancement of Russian industrial capabilities, such as electrical transformers.

In addition, the EU decision adds the UK to the list of partner countries that apply a set of restrictive measures on iron and steel imports from Russia, as well as a set of import control measures that are essentially equivalent to the EU measures.

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