EU to sanction four Chinese firms for supporting Russia's war in Ukraine

The European Union is preparing a new round of sanctions against Russia that would include four Chinese companies accused of helping Moscow's war effort. Internal documents say the firms supply chemicals for the Russian military, components used in combat drones and assist a "shadow fleet" that transports Russian oil.

The proposal is part of a "mini‑package" slated for approval at the EU foreign‑ministers meeting in mid‑June, alongside a broader 21st sanctions package expected later in the summer. The list also targets firms from the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Azerbaijan, as well as subsidiaries of Russia's Lukoil. The EU aims to tighten export controls and keep the price cap on Russian oil, while China has warned it may respond with counter‑measures.