EU prepares sanctions on Chinese firms accused of aiding Russia's war in Ukraine

The European Union is preparing a new sanctions package that targets four Chinese companies suspected of providing economic and technological assistance to Russia's war effort in Ukraine. According to documents seen by POLITICO, the firms are alleged to supply chemicals used by the Russian army, components for attack drones and support for a shadow Russian fleet. The measures are part of the EU’s ongoing strategy, which has already seen 20 sanction rounds aimed at weakening Russia’s ability to finance the conflict.

The draft is expected to be adopted at the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg on 15 June, and it may be combined with a broader 21st‑round package that also lists firms from the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Azerbaijan. The Chinese government has warned it will respond with “firm and effective counter‑measures” if the sanctions proceed, raising the risk of further commercial and diplomatic friction between Beijing and Brussels.