The European Union on Saturday adopted its 16th package of economic and individual sanctions against Russia, marking three years since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The new measures target key sectors of Russia’s economy, aiming to further weaken its ability to sustain what the EU calls an “illegal and unjustified war of aggression.”
The latest sanctions package strikes at Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, banks accused of helping Moscow circumvent previous measures, and technology components used in drones and missiles. The EU also imposed fresh restrictions on Russian media outlets accused of spreading propaganda.
Targeting Individuals and Entities
The EU blacklisted 83 new individuals and entities, including 48 persons and 35 organizations, for undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty. The Council also established criteria to sanction those owning or operating vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet and those benefiting from its military-industrial complex.
The bloc expanded port bans and service restrictions on 74 additional vessels, bringing the total to 153. These ships are accused of bypassing oil price caps, supporting Russia’s energy sector, transporting military equipment, or carrying stolen Ukrainian grain.
For the first time, the EU barred transactions with non-Russian financial institutions using the Russian Central Bank’s SPFS financial messaging system. Thirteen regional Russian banks also face extended prohibitions on accessing specialized financial messaging services.
Trade and Technology Controls
Fifty-three new entities were added to the export restriction list, including companies in China, India, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Turkey, the UAE, and Uzbekistan, for allegedly supplying dual-use goods and technologies for Russia’s military. The EU also expanded bans on items such as UAV controllers, chemical precursors, chromium compounds, and CNC machine software.
Additionally, restrictions were placed on chemicals, plastics, and primary aluminum imports, while certain Russian industrial goods are now barred from transiting EU territory.
Media Broadcasting Ban
The EU suspended broadcasting licenses for eight Russian media outlets, including EADaily, Lenta, and Tvzvezda, citing their role in promoting Kremlin propaganda. The suspension does not affect other media activities such as research or interviews.
The sanctions widen the EU flight ban to Russian air carriers operating domestic flights and extend restrictions on road transport within EU borders. Further measures target Russia’s energy sector, including bans on software exports related to oil and gas exploration and crude oil storage within the EU.
The EU prohibited transactions with Russian ports, locks, and airports used for transferring military technologies or circumventing oil price caps.
Belarus and Occupied Territories
Sanctions on Belarus were also tightened, mirroring Russia-related trade restrictions. The EU introduced new listing criteria for entities supporting Belarus’s military sector. Additional measures were imposed on Crimea, Sevastopol, and Russian-controlled areas in Ukraine to hinder integration into Russia.
The European Council reiterated its condemnation of Russia’s invasion in December 2024, vowing continued support for Ukraine’s independence. The Council affirmed its commitment to political, economic, humanitarian, and military assistance “for as long as it takes.”
