EU's 20th package of sanctions to target Russian nuclear power, oil, and steel — EU Observer

There is already a draft statement by EU countries at the summit, calling on members of the bloc to take further coordinated action against so-called flag states. These are states that effectively allow any ship to fly their flag, which Russia has actively exploited.

Previously, thanks to this, a large number of old oil tankers unfit for navigation worked in Russia's interests. Now the EU plans to take measures against these countries to force them to revoke their flag permits.

Other targets of the new EU sanctions are Russia's steel, fertilizer, and nuclear industries. These categories have been partially or completely overlooked by the European Union in terms of imposing restrictions.

EU ambassadors also agreed on changes to the 19th package of sanctions, which is already in force. The documents, which were made available to the agency, refer to the addition of 23 individuals and legal entities, including a US citizen, to the EU blacklist, as well as 42 oil tankers that are assisting the Russian regime's military efforts.

European Union ambassadors continue to discuss a new package of sanctions against Russia. As part of its preparation, more than 40 tankers from the shadow fleet have already been added to the blacklist.

The EU has almost completed the agreement on the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. It is expected that the package will be officially adopted in January 2026, after the New Year holidays.

Before this, in October 2025, the European Union officially approved a new—already the 19th—package of sanctions against Russia. The restrictions are aimed at reducing the Kremlin's revenues and preventing sanctions from being circumvented through third countries.