New measures include sanctions on 218 individuals and entities, expanded restrictions on banks and crypto platforms, additional action against Russia’s shadow fleet, and a transaction ban on a Georgian refinery processing Russian oil
The European Union has adopted its 21st package of restrictive measures against Russia in response to its ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, introducing some of the bloc’s toughest economic sanctions to date.
The package targets key sectors supporting Russia’s war economy, including energy, financial services, cryptocurrency networks, military production and trade. It includes sanctions against 218 individuals and entities, representing the largest number of new listings introduced by the EU in the past four years. The list includes 48 individuals and 170 organisations.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said the latest measures aim to further weaken Russia’s ability to finance and sustain the war.
“With each round of sanctions, we squeeze Russia’s economy and its capacity to prolong its illegal war. Our 21st package includes the highest number of listings in four years,” Kallas said.
She added that the EU is targeting more than 100 banks and crypto operators, over 40 vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, oil refineries in Russia and Belarus, and more than 50 military-industrial entities involved in producing long-range drones.
Financial Sector and Crypto Restrictions Expanded
The EU has significantly expanded sanctions targeting Russia’s financial infrastructure.
The new measures introduce asset freezes and funding restrictions against 94 banks and major financial institutions, as well as a key figure in Russia’s banking sector. The bloc is also extending transaction bans to 33 additional Russian credit and financial institutions.
The EU has also imposed restrictions on foreign entities helping Russia bypass financial sanctions, including:
- a Kyrgyz bank connected to Russia’s SPFS alternative payment system;
- three non-Russian banks accused of sanctions circumvention;
- four entities linked to the cross-border A7 network.
For the first time, the EU has introduced the possibility of a full third-country ban on crypto-asset service providers that assist Russia in avoiding sanctions.
Transaction bans have also been extended to 14 crypto-related platforms based in countries including Georgia, Panama, the UAE, the Marshall Islands, Kyrgyzstan and Belarus.
Energy Sector Targeted, Including Georgian Refinery
The EU’s latest package further tightens restrictions on Russia’s energy revenues.
The bloc has paused automatic adjustments to its oil price cap mechanism until 15 July 2027, aiming to ensure that Russia’s oil revenues remain limited despite global market disruptions.
The EU is also expanding sanctions against Russia’s so-called shadow fleet — vessels used to bypass oil restrictions. The package adds 41 additional ships to the sanctions list, bringing the total number of targeted vessels to more than 670.
New restrictions also cover companies and individuals supporting shadow fleet operations, including firms providing fuel, logistics and crew services.
The EU is further targeting oil processing infrastructure by sanctioning:
- three Russian refineries;
- one major Belarusian refinery;
- companies involved in trading and processing Russian petroleum products.
Among the new measures, the EU has introduced a transaction ban, entering into force after six months, against a Georgian refinery in Kulevi involved in trading and processing Russian oil.
The package also adds five oil traders to the list of entities banned from transactions for attempting to circumvent restrictions on Russian crude oil purchases.
Pressure on Russia’s Military Industry
The EU is strengthening export controls aimed at limiting Russia’s ability to produce weapons.
The package introduces 56 new individual sanctions targeting people and companies connected to Russia’s military-industrial complex, including 37 entities directly linked to long-range drone production and supply chains.
Another 51 companies have been added to the list of organisations facing tighter export restrictions on dual-use goods and technologies.
Some of these entities are located in third countries, including:
- China, including Hong Kong;
- India;
- Kazakhstan;
- Kyrgyzstan;
- Türkiye;
- the United Arab Emirates.
The EU said these companies contribute to Russia’s efforts to circumvent restrictions on critical technologies, including microelectronics, CNC machinery and semiconductor processing equipment.
Additional Trade Restrictions
The new sanctions package expands export bans on products and technologies that could support Russia’s military capabilities.
Newly restricted items include:
- nickel powders and corrosion-resistant alloys used in aircraft engines;
- beryllium powders used in advanced alloys and propellants;
- aerospace materials;
- drone-related equipment, including jamming systems, launch systems and flight termination technologies.
The EU has also introduced new import restrictions on goods generating significant revenue for Russia, including:
- copper, nickel and lead ores;
- precious-metal ores;
- zinc and zinc oxides;
- chromium oxides;
- glass products;
- imitation pearls;
- automotive parts.
Similar trade restrictions and legal protections have been introduced against Belarus.
Visa Restrictions for Russian Combatants
The package establishes the legal basis for a comprehensive visa ban targeting members and former members of the Russian armed forces and affiliated groups involved in the war against Ukraine.
The Council will determine when the measure will formally enter into force.
Targeting Russian Propaganda and War Crimes
The EU has also sanctioned eight individuals accused of spreading Russian war propaganda and supporting narratives aimed at justifying the invasion of Ukraine.
Additionally, the package includes sanctions against a Russian major general accused of war crimes, including torture, executions and abuse of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
Legal Protection for EU Operators
The EU has strengthened protections for European companies and individuals facing legal proceedings in Russian courts linked to sanctions enforcement.
The new rules allow EU courts and member states to refuse recognition or enforcement of certain Russian court decisions obtained through such proceedings.
EU Maintains Pressure on Moscow
The European Council has reiterated that the EU will continue supporting Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia’s economy until Moscow ends its aggression and engages in meaningful negotiations.
The bloc said future measures will continue focusing on reducing Russia’s energy revenues, limiting shadow fleet operations and weakening its financial system.
The legal acts implementing the 21st sanctions package have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
