On January 29, the European Commission proposed banning Russian primary aluminum imports and limiting the sale of video game consoles to Russia as part of the 16th round of sanctions due to the Ukraine invasion. A confidential document seen by Reuters outlined the proposed measures.
The proposal, which was shared with member states on Tuesday for upcoming discussions starting Wednesday, also includes actions to prevent Russian oil price cap circumvention by the Group of Seven nations.
The document explained that Russian revenue from primary aluminum imports fuels its war efforts, hence the proposed ban on aluminum alloys with a one-year phase-in period. Some necessary imports, totaling 275,000 metric tons, would be exempt during this period.
The EU had imported nearly 330,000 tons of Russian primary aluminum and alloys from January to November last year. Sales of entertainment tools like flight simulators and joysticks, which could be used for military purposes, will be restricted.
EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas highlighted Russia's creativity in finding alternative military equipment, mentioning video game consoles as potential drone controllers. This measure would affect sales of consoles like Microsoft's Xbox, Nintendo's Switch, and Sony Playstation.
Additionally, the proposal includes sanctions on 50 new entities and individuals, including some Russian regional banks. It may encompass around 75 more ships, primarily energy tankers, on top of the 79 vessels already listed.
The plan targets restrictions on oil-related software and introduces a transaction ban on ports and airports in Russia used for military purposes to bypass G7 oil price regulations. Ports, locks, and airports listed will face restrictions on services provided to vessels or aircraft, with exemptions in place.
The Commission extended the Russian diamond ban phase-in period until September this year, requiring a blockchain-based tracing mechanism for diamond sellers to G7 nations to prove non-Russian origin starting in September.
Despite some member states' push to ban Russian oil, the Commission decided against it due to concerns over finding viable alternatives promptly.