The European Commission has proposed a 20th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting key sectors including energy, financial services and trade, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday.
According to a statement released by the Commission, the measures are intended to increase pressure on Russia following the second round of trilateral talks on Ukraine held in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday and Thursday between Russia, the United States and Ukraine. The talks failed to produce substantive breakthroughs on core issues, apart from a large-scale prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine.
In the energy sector, the European Union plans to introduce a full maritime services ban on Russian crude oil, a move expected to further reduce Russia's energy revenues. The ban would be implemented in coordination with G7 partners, the statement said.
The bloc also plans to add 43 vessels linked to Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" to its sanctions list, bringing the total number to 640.
Additional measures would restrict Russia's ability to acquire tankers for the fleet and impose bans on maintenance and other services for LNG tankers and icebreakers, further undermining Russian gas export projects, the statement added.
EU proposes 20th package of sanctions against Russia
A group of Japanese citizens held a rally in front of the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo on Friday, voicing strong opposition to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks on Taiwan and her military expansion plans.
Protesters held up signs and chanted slogans at the rally, condemning Takaichi's wrongful remarks.
"Takaichi's remarks clearly deviate from the previous administration's position. Her claim that a 'Taiwan contingency' could constitute a 'survival-threatening situation' for Japan is an extremely dangerous provocation for war. We absolutely cannot tolerate such statements," said a protester.
"Regarding Takaichi's so-called 'Taiwan contingency' remarks, I believe it was a serious transgression. In an instant, it destroyed the long-accumulated exchanges between our peoples. We have always adhered to the one-China principle, and our people absolutely cannot tolerate such statements," said Masashi Tani, secretary general of the Japan Congress against A-and H-Bombs.
Protesters said that Takaichi's actions since taking office, including revising three national security documents, relaxing restrictions on arms exports, and planning to increase the defense budget, have not only failed to enhance Japan's security but have instead heightened regional tensions.
"This is an administration that could push Japan toward war. I remain highly vigilant about a series of extremely dangerous plans, such as further increasing the defense budget and revising three national security documents. In my view, such a person is utterly unfit to serve as prime minister and should step down as soon as possible," said a protester.
Protesters also argued that Takaichi's rush to dissolve the House of Representatives was based on her own political calculation rather than a response to the real difficulties faced by the public.
"As for Takaichi's forceful dissolution of the House of Representatives, I cannot help but doubt whether she truly understands the real hardships faced by the public. In politics, the primary consideration should be the lives of the people, especially those struggling in cold waves and heavy snow," Tani said.
Japanese citizens rally against Takaichi's Taiwan remarks, military buildup
