The European Union is proposing EU-China sanctions against four companies accused of supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.
According to POLITICO, the firms could be included in a new sanctions package that EU foreign ministers may consider in Luxembourg on June 15. The package still needs unanimous approval from all 27 member states.
The companies face allegations that they helped Russia’s shadow fleet, supplied military chemicals or delivered components used in attack drones.
The European External Action Service prepared the proposal as part of a smaller sanctions package dated May 21.
The document also recommends measures against subsidiaries of the Russian oil company Lukoil and other entities accused of helping Moscow’s war effort.
The proposal could deepen trade tensions between Brussels and Beijing. China has warned it would take countermeasures if the EU imposes further trade restrictions.
Read: EU Ukraine Defence Aid Unblocked After Hungary Drops Veto
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič was expected to discuss trade issues with Chinese envoy Li Chenggang in Paris on June 2.
The European Commission declined to discuss specific sanctions. It said the bloc aims to increase economic pressure on Russia and curb sanctions evasion.
