EU imposes new sanctions on Russia targeting energy, military, and human rights violations

Europe-Asia, International

BRUSSELS, Belgium (NPA) — The European Union has unveiled a fresh round of sanctions against Russia, intensifying pressure on Moscow over its ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and its continued violations of international law.

The new package released on Monday targets 34 individuals and 47 entities, focusing on Russia’s military-industrial complex, energy revenues, propaganda networks, and human rights abuses. The measures are designed to curb Russia’s ability to finance its war, disrupt its shadow oil fleet, and expose systemic repression within the country.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas said the sanctions “strike at the heart of Russia’s military-industrial complex, its shadow fleet, and the networks that fuel Moscow’s hybrid attacks against Europe,” adding that Western sanctions have already cost Russia an estimated €1–1.3 trillion.

The listings include manufacturers and suppliers of drones and military equipment such as JSC Lavochkin Research and Production Association, LLC Rustakt, and Chinese firms Shenzhen Minghuaxin and Xinxiang Richful Lubricant Additive Company.

The EU also sanctioned entities linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, including companies in Russia, Türkiye, the UAE, Azerbaijan, Liberia, and Hong Kong, accused of helping Moscow evade oil export restrictions.

In addition, the EU targeted Russian propagandists and institutions spreading disinformation, including Anatoly Kuzichev, Maria Volkonskaya, and the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives, as well as individuals implicated in the poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

The Council also renewed sanctions related to Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol, extending them until June 23, 2027.

“These measures shrink Russia’s room for manoeuvre,” Kallas said. “Brick by brick, we are collapsing the foundations of Russia’s war economy.”