European Union based in Brussels, Belgium.
By Gary Raynaldo DIPLOMATIC TIMES
The European Union imposed sanctions on the founder of Russian mercenary company, the Wagner Group. The EU last Thursday announced it adopted restrictive measures on two more for “their role in undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine” and for “benefitting from Russian decision-makers responsible for the illegal annexation” of Crimea or the destabilisation of eastern Ukraine. The persons designated are:
Yevgeniy Viktorovich Prigozhin, “a prominent Russian businessman with close ties to President Putin and the Russian Ministry of Defence,” according to a statement from the Council of the European Union. “He is the founder and unofficial head of the Wagner Group, a Russia-based unincorporated military entity, responsible for the deployment of Wagner Group mercenaries in Ukraine. Some of his companies have been benefitting from large public contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defence following the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia and occupation of eastern Ukraine by Russia-backed separatists.” the EU statement added.
Yevgeniy Prigozhin is also among several Russian oligarchs sanctioned by the United States. Prigozhin is on the FBI’s Most Wanted list for allegedly interfering in U.S. elections. (FBI.gov)
Serhiy Vitaliyovich Kurchenko, a Ukrainian national, “who among other actions, took control of several large metallurgical, chemical and energy plants in the separatist-held areas with support from pro-Russia separatists. Moreover, Serhiy Kurchenko strengthened the independent power supplies of the Crimean peninsula. He also owns the largest oil depot on the Crimean Peninsula,” according to EU statement.
European Council demands Russia immediately stop military aggression
“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine grossly violates international law and is causing massive loss of life and injury to civilians. Russia is directing attacks against the civilian population and is targeting civilian objects, including hospitals, medical facilities, schools and shelters. These war crimes must stop immediately. Those responsible, and their accomplices, will be held to account in accordance with international law. The European Council demands that Russia immediately stop its military aggression in the territory of Ukraine, immediately and unconditionally withdraw all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine, and fully respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence within its internationally recognised borders.”
-Council of the European Union statement
