**Ukraine Aligns Sanctions with EU in Effort to Pressure Russia**
In a move to strengthen its stance against Russia, Ukraine has synchronized its economic sanctions with the latest three packages imposed by the European Union. This announcement was made by President Volodymyr Zelensky on July 8.
According to Zelensky, the new restrictions will bring Ukrainian penalties in line with the EU’s 15th, 16th, and 17th packages of sanctions against Russia. These measures include targeting individuals from Russia, Belarus, China, and other countries, as well as companies involved in supplying components for Russian drones used to attack Ukraine.
**New Sanctions Target Chinese Companies**
Among the new restrictions announced by Zelensky are penalties against five Chinese-registered companies accused of supplying components found in Russian Shahed-type drones. Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Zelensky’s sanctions commissioner, explained that these decrees aim to bring Ukrainian sanctions in line with those imposed by the EU.
The 15th package targets individuals from Russia, Belarus, and China, among other countries. It includes Alexander Azarenkov, a Russian pilot involved in a deadly attack on a children’s hospital in Kyiv. The 16th package includes individuals from Russia, China, Turkey, and other nations, as well as the Voin Center, a Russian military-patriotic education organization operating in occupied Ukrainian territories.
**EU Expected to Approve 18th Sanctions Package**
The EU is expected to approve its 18th package of sanctions against Russia later this week. However, approval may be delayed due to opposition from pro-Kremlin bloc members Slovakia and Hungary.
Ukraine’s efforts to synchronize sanctions with international partners aim to amplify pressure on Moscow. Zelensky signed a decree on June 27 to coordinate Ukraine’s sanctions with those imposed by the EU and Group of Seven (G7).
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