EU adds 58 companies, individuals involved in Russia's defense sector to anti-Russian sanctions lists - Council of EU

BRUSSELS. April 23 (Interfax) - The European Union has imposed restrictive measures on 58 Russian companies in the defense industry and individuals associated with them as part of the 20th sanctions package.

"The 20th package further constrains the Russian military-industrial complex by designating 58 companies and associated individuals involved in, inter alia, the development and manufacturing of military goods, such as drones," the Council of the EU said in a statement published on Thursday.

"In addition to denying Russian military enterprises valuable EU technology, this package also addresses Russia's reliance on third countries for the provision of critical high-tech items," the document said.

"Specifically, the EU has now designated 16 entities based in China, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Belarus which have provided dual-use goods or weapons systems to the Russian military-industrial complex," it said.

Furthermore, "60 new entities will be subject to tighter export restrictions on items which contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia's defense sector," it said. "Some of these entities are also located in third countries other than Russia, such as in China (including Hong Kong), Turkey and the United Arab Emirates," the statement said.