**EU Imposes Sanctions on Chinese Companies and North Korean Minister**
The European Union has imposed fully fledged sanctions on December 16, including asset freezes and visa bans, on Chinese firms for supplying Russia’s military for the war against Ukraine. This is the bloc’s 15th round of sanctions during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
**Chinese Firms Targeted**
Four Chinese companies are being blacklisted for allegedly supplying sensitive drone components and microelectronic components to the Russian military. Two other firms and one Chinese businesswoman were hit for circumventing EU sanctions aimed at stopping equipment flowing to Moscow. One of the companies, Xiamen Limbach, is alleged to have supplied engines for long-range attack drones used by Russia against Ukraine.
**North Korea Also Targeted**
The EU also took aim at North Korea in the latest package after Pyongyang dispatched troops to fight Ukraine. At least 30 North Korean soldiers were killed or wounded during assault operations near Ukrainian villages on December 14-15. The bloc has added defense minister No Kwang Chol and deputy chief of the general staff Kim Yong Bok to a number of North Korean officials already blacklisted.
**Ukraine’s Military Intelligence**
Ukrainian military intelligence reported that North Korean soldiers have been stationed in Kursk Oblast since October, initially taking on support roles. Their recent involvement in ground assault operations highlights the growing military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
**Other Developments**
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on December 16 that the deal allowing Russian gas to transit through Ukraine will not be extended beyond the end of the year. Hungary has consistently criticized EU sanctions against Russia and blocked initiatives to provide military aid to Kyiv.