EU unleashes sweeping 20th sanctions blitz on Russia, targets energy, banks, crypto and war machine

International

BRUSSELS, Belgium (NPA) — The European Union has approved its 20th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting key sectors of its economy, including energy, finance, trade and the military-industrial complex, in response to Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

The new measures, described as one of the most expansive in two years, include 120 additional individual listings and a broad range of economic restrictions aimed at weakening Russia’s war capacity and sustaining pressure on its leadership.

Announcing the decision, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc remains committed to supporting Ukraine while intensifying pressure on Russia to end the conflict and engage in meaningful peace negotiations.

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The sanctions package places significant emphasis on curbing Russia’s energy revenues, with new restrictions spanning oil exploration, refining and transport. The EU also moved to tighten measures against Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” adding 46 vessels to its sanctions list, bringing the total number of affected ships to 632.

Additional measures include a future maritime services ban on Russian crude oil and petroleum products, coordinated with G7 partners, and a prohibition on transactions involving key Russian ports used to bypass existing restrictions.

In the financial sector, the EU imposed transaction bans on 20 Russian banks and sanctioned several foreign financial institutions accused of facilitating sanctions evasion. The bloc also expanded its restrictions to cover cryptocurrency activities, banning Russian-based crypto platforms and targeting digital assets linked to the Russian economy.

The package further tightens restrictions on Russia’s military-industrial complex, designating 58 companies and individuals involved in the production of military equipment, including drones. It also targets entities in third countries accused of supplying critical technologies to Russia’s defence sector.

Trade measures were expanded, with new export bans covering industrial goods, chemicals and machinery, alongside import restrictions on raw materials and metals that generate revenue for Russia. The EU also activated an anti-circumvention mechanism to prevent re-export of sensitive goods through third countries.

In a move to enhance accountability, the EU sanctioned individuals and entities linked to the alleged deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children, as well as those accused of appropriating Ukrainian cultural heritage and spreading state-backed propaganda.

The sanctions package also extends measures against Belarus for its role in supporting Russia’s war efforts, including new listings tied to its military-industrial sector.

The EU reaffirmed its continued support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing its commitment to maintaining and increasing pressure on Russia until a just and lasting peace is achieved.