European Union member countries have approved a new package of sanctions against Russia, targeting Russian LNG (liquefied natural gas), the banking sector, crypto operations and the “shadow fleet” transporting oil. This was announced by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on the social network of the American company X.
“EU member states have approved our 19th package of sanctions against Russia,” she said, emphasizing that pressure on Moscow will be increased.
Von der Leyen noted that “the EU is striking for the first time at the gas sector – the heart of Russia’s military economy.” “We will not retreat until the people of Ukraine receive a just and lasting peace,” she emphasized.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaia Kallas, in turn, confirmed the adoption of a new sanctions package against the Russian Federation.
“The 19th package of sanctions has been adopted,” she said.
Kallas noted that the new measures will affect Russian banks, crypto exchanges, companies in India and China, and also provide for restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats. According to her, the new package of sanctions will also make it more difficult for Russia to finance the conflict in Ukraine.
The full list of measures has not yet been published, but it is known that EU countries will phase out purchases of Russian LNG by January 2027.
In addition, the sanctions list will be expanded to include the Russian financial sector, companies from China and India accused of circumventing sanctions, as well as more than 100 tankers from the “shadow fleet” transporting Russian oil.
Last month, the European Commission presented a draft of a new package of sanctions. It required unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states to come into force, but was previously blocked by Slovakia.
Meanwhile, EU sanctions against Russia cover a wide range of areas, including trade, finance, energy (oil and coal), industry, technology, transport, dual-use goods, luxury goods, gold and diamonds.
Among the measures introduced are a ban on the import of Russian oil by sea, the disconnection of a number of Russian banks from the international payment system SWIFT and the suspension of the activities of a number of Russian media in the EU.
The EU sanctions list also includes more than 2,500 individuals and legal entities.