EU hits Russia with biggest sanctions package in two years: what's included
Photo: The EU has approved its 20th package of sanctions against Russia (Getty Images)
The European Union has officially approved its 20th sanctions package against Russia, the most extensive in the past two years. The measures target the energy sector, the military-industrial complex, and the financial system, according to the EU Council.
Hit to oil and gas revenues
The new package lays the groundwork for a future ban on maritime transport of Russian crude oil and petroleum products. Sanctions were imposed on 36 energy-sector entities, as well as 46 additional vessels from the so-called shadow fleet, which are now banned from accessing EU ports.
The EU has also introduced restrictions on servicing Russian LNG tankers and icebreakers. Starting in January 2027, Russian companies will be prohibited from using LNG terminals within the bloc.
Defense sector and anti-circumvention measures
The EU expanded its sanctions lists, adding 58 companies involved in the production of drones and other weapons.
For the first time, an anti-circumvention tool has been activated: exports of computer numerical control machines and radios to Kyrgyzstan have been banned due to the risk of re-export to Russia.
Restrictions were also imposed on 16 entities from China, the UAE, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Belarus that helped Russia’s defense sector obtain high-tech goods.
Financial restrictions and cryptocurrency
The package includes a full ban on transactions with 20 Russian banks, as Moscow increasingly uses cryptocurrencies to bypass financial pressure.
The EU has introduced a full sectoral ban on crypto platforms registered in Russia.
Sanctions also target an exchange where the state-backed stablecoin A7A5 is traded.
Accountability for the deportation of children
A separate block of sanctions targets individuals involved in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children.
Five individuals and one organization have been added to the list for their role in the abduction and forced assimilation of minors.
Propagandists and individuals responsible for the appropriation of Ukrainian cultural heritage have also been sanctioned.
Sanctions against Belarus
The EU Council has extended the sanctions regime against Belarus until February 28, 2027.
"Additionally, it includes measures intended to mirror those imposed on Russia, notably trade measures, legal protection, measures on crypto and restrictions on the provision of cybersecurity services and tourism services," the statement says.
Sanctions and support for Ukraine
Earlier, the Commissioner of the President of Ukraine for Sanctions Policy, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, outlined details of the 20th package. It includes sanctions for Kremlin propagandists and increased pressure on Russia’s oil exports and defense sector.
In addition, on April 23, the European Council approved a €90 billion loan for Ukraine. Repayment will not come from Ukraine’s state budget but from future reparations from Russia.
At the same time, in the United States, lawmakers criticized a recent decision to temporarily lift oil restrictions on Russia for 30 days. US senators called it a reward for Putin, which allowed the Kremlin to earn an additional $100 million per day.
