Photo: EPA
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has unveiled the EU’s 21st package of sanctions against Russia, including a proposed entry ban for anyone who has served in Russian forces since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The new measures would also target Russia’s energy, financial and trade sectors, while introducing sanctions on the fishing industry for the first time. The package still requires unanimous approval from all EU member states.
According to von der Leyen, the EU should remain closed to anyone who participated in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The proposed sanctions include:
- Adding 30 more vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet to the sanctions list, on top of the 632 ships already targeted.
- Restricting support services that help the shadow fleet operate, including refueling activities.
- Expanding transaction bans to 31 additional Russian banks.
- Sanctioning banks, crypto firms and oil traders in third countries that assist Moscow in bypassing restrictions.
- Tightening export controls on technologies and components used by Russia’s military-industrial complex, including drone-related equipment.
- Imposing new import restrictions on Russian goods worth around €60 million.
- Introducing limits on imports of certain Russian fish products.
The European Commission says the goal is to close loopholes, reduce Russia’s revenue streams and increase pressure on the Kremlin to scale back its demands in any future peace negotiations with Ukraine.
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The EU has unveiled a new sanctions package against Russia, including a proposed entry ban for anyone who fought against Ukraine in Russian ranks. The measures would also target Russia’s energy, banking, trade and fishing sectors, while further tightening restrictions on the shadow fleet and sanctions evasion networks.
