Russia seeks corporate input on sanctions relief: Reuters
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Russia is seeking input from businesses on which sanctions to target for removal ahead of talks with Washington.
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A Russian national flag is seen atop of The State Duma, Lower House of the Russian Parliament's building in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 (AP)
Russia has asked companies to propose which sanctions should be prioritized for removal ahead of discussions with Washington, Reuters reported, citing two Russian business figures.
The two Russian business figures noted that restrictions affecting cross-border payment flows remain the most damaging.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Tuesday that it was now Russia's turn to respond after Washington agreed to resume military aid and intelligence sharing with Kiev. Ukraine, in turn, signaled its acceptance of a US-backed proposal for a 30-day ceasefire.
US President Donald Trump has threatened harsher sanctions on Moscow should it fail to negotiate and sanctions relief if it agrees to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Two Russian industry sources said the industry and trade ministry was asking companies to suggest which sanctions most urgently needed to be lifted.
One person said the ministry was distributing a form for businesses to fill out, asking companies which sanctions had affected their business most and to identify the most sensitive restrictions. Reuters could not access a copy of the form.
The industry ministry did not respond to a request for comment.
EU approves 16th package of Russia sanctions
The EU Council announced on February 24 that it has approved the 16th sanctions package against Russia, adding 48 individuals and 35 organizations to the list.
In a statement, the EU said, "The Council adopted today a wide-ranging 16th package of economic and individual restrictive measures... The Council agreed on a significant set of 83 listings, consisting of 48 persons and 35 entities responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine."
The new sanctions include a ban on offering specialized financial messaging services to 13 regional banks considered vital to Russia's financial and banking systems.
The statement read, "Lastly, the EU introduced further restrictions on exports of goods which contribute to the enhancement of Russian industrial capabilities (chemicals, some plastics, and rubber) and their transit through Russia, as well as further restrictions on the import of primary aluminum, which generates significant revenues for Russia."
In addition, the EU has revoked the broadcasting licenses of eight Russian media outlets in Europe.
"Further vessels were added to the list of those subject to a port access ban and ban on provision of a broad range of services related to maritime transport...74 vessels originating from third countries were targeted today on these grounds, bringing the total of designated vessels to 153," the statement said.
EU ban on ports, airports
Furthermore, the EU has banned transactions with certain ports, locks, and airports in Russia that are used to transfer UAVs, missiles, and related technology, or for bypassing the Oil Price Cap and other restrictive measures through risky shipping practices.
This includes two Moscow airports (Vnukovo and Zhukovsky), four regional airports, Astrakhan Port and Makhachkala Port on the Caspian Sea. The seaports of Ust-Luga and Primorsk on the Baltic Sea, and Novorossiysk on the Black Sea, are also covered.
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