Council of European Union approves 9th package of sanctions against Russia, including restrictions on energy, mining sectors

BRUSSELS. Dec 16 (Interfax) - The Council of the European Union approved the ninth package of sanctions against Russia on Friday, in particular, which would envisage restrictions on the mining and energy sectors and ban exports of space industry goods and drones.

"The Council adopted today a ninth package of new measures intended to step up pressure on Russia and its government," the Council said in a statement.

"The EU will expand the prohibition targeting new investments in the Russian energy sector by additionally prohibiting new investments in the Russian mining sector, with the exception of mining and quarrying activities involving certain critical raw materials," it said.

Export control will be exercised over dual-use goods and technologies that may be related to the Russian defense industry.

There will be a ban on exports of space industry goods, drones and drone engines to Russia.