The European Union has presented its 19th sanctions package against the Russian Federation, which includes significant tightening of restrictions on the financial and military sectors of the aggressor country. This statement was made by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
This is reported by Business • Media
Complete Isolation of the Russian Financial Sector
One of the key points of the new package is the proposal for a complete ban on any financial transactions with Russian banks and financial institutions, including those operating in third countries. The sanctions lists are also expected to include major enterprises that facilitate the circumvention of sanctions or support Russia’s military industry.
The EU proposes additional restrictions on Russian special economic zones and increased control over companies that cooperate with the Russian military-industrial complex. New measures are also planned against Chinese companies that may be involved in supporting the Russian military sector.
Sanctions in the Energy and Technology Sectors
Particular emphasis is placed on the energy sector. The EU intends to completely ban the import of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) starting January 2027, revoke existing exemptions for companies such as Rosneft and Gazprom Neft, and expand sanctions against Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” used to circumvent restrictions.
According to the new sanctions, Moscow’s access to modern technologies will be complicated—specifically in the fields of artificial intelligence, geospatial data, and critical resources that can be used in weapon production. The restrictions will also affect partner suppliers from China and India.
“Our sanctions are working. They have a visible impact on Russia’s public finances and economic growth. The European Union must strengthen these efforts alongside our partners until peace is achieved,” Kallas emphasized.
A separate block of sanctions targets individuals involved in the abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children to so-called “re-education camps.” A new mechanism will expedite the process of adding those responsible for these crimes to the sanctions list.
The European Union emphasizes its strategic goal of depriving Moscow of the resources necessary to wage war. As Kaja Kallas noted, pressure on Russia from the EU will continue to increase, and sanctions will be accompanied by military support for Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is established.
Previously, the last sanctions package included 69 organizations and 118 vessels. The current package has been prepared in close coordination with Western partners, including the United States, as was known back in September.