EU agrees 20th sanctions package against Russia, Ukrainian official says
Photo: Commissioner of the President of Ukraine for Sanctions Policy Vladyslav Vlasiuk (Getty Images)
The EU has agreed on its 20th sanctions package against Russia, which is expected to be formally approved as early as tomorrow. The new restrictions will target oil exports, Russia’s military-industrial complex, and individuals involved in the deportation of Ukrainian children, said the Commissioner of the President of Ukraine for Sanctions Policy, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, in a comment to journalists.
Priorities of the new restrictions
According to Vlasiuk, economic pressure remains the key tool for stopping aggression.
Ukraine and its partners are currently coordinating steps to introduce the strictest possible restrictions on Russian oil exports, particularly maritime shipments.
"The aggressor must not receive profits that are fully used to finance the war," he stressed.
Sanctions will also target key propaganda figures and individuals responsible for the abduction of Ukrainian children.
Increased pressure on the defense and financial sectors
Ukraine is pushing for further expansion of sanctions lists, including oligarchs and religious figures who have so far avoided accountability.
A separate focus remains on Russia’s military-industrial complex.
"We have a great opportunity to finally include those oligarchs and patriarchs who previously escaped sanctions. There must be no exceptions," Vlasiuk said, emphasizing that current restrictions are not sufficient to fully halt weapons production in Russia.
EU support and pressure on Russia
Earlier today, EU ambassadors at the level of permanent representatives preliminarily approved a €90 billion loan for Ukraine and agreed on the parameters of the 20th sanctions package. The final decision is expected to be formally adopted on Thursday, April 23.
Previously, Ukraine stepped up efforts to curb Russia’s energy revenues. In particular, Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, Olha Stefanishyna, called on the Donald Trump administration to reinstate tough sanctions on Russian oil, stressing that this would benefit not only Ukraine but also the United States in countering the influence of Russia and Iran.
In addition, according to Bloomberg analysts, Russia’s economy is currently in a critical state. Despite temporary spikes in energy prices due to hostilities in the Middle East, windfall oil revenues are no longer enough to save Russia from recession amid deep structural problems and the impact of international isolation.
