EU Freezes European Assets of Putin, Lavrov, and Others

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The European Union (EU) has agreed to freeze the assets held in Europe by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as part of the third round of sanctions against Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine.

According to CNN and others, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated on the 25th (local time) while attending the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting in Brussels, Belgium, "President Putin and Minister Lavrov are now also on the (sanctions) list."

Minister Baerbock pointed out, "They are responsible for the fact that innocent people have lost their lives in Ukraine," and "They are also responsible for the trampling of the international system."

Earlier, major foreign media including Bloomberg cited diplomats reporting that the EU might discuss sanctions targeting President Putin personally as a way to strengthen the measures currently under consideration.

According to the asset disclosure statement, President Putin's annual income is about 10 million rubles (approximately 140 million KRW), and he owns three cars and one apartment. Considering the amount, the sanctions are seen as largely symbolic.

Other major foreign media reported that the EU might target more Russian oligarchs following President Putin and Minister Lavrov.

On the same day, Charles Michel, President of the EU Council, said that the second round of sanctions against Russia agreed upon by the 27 EU member states the previous day would have a large and severe impact, adding, "We are urgently preparing an additional package."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.