The 20th package against , since its launch in , was presented today by , mainly targeting energy, financial services and trade.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pointed out that Russia’s war against Ukraine is approaching 1,500 days, with Russian forces occupying just 0.8% of the country’s territory, despite a high casualty rate. “The Kremlin is doubling down on war crimes, hitting homes, civilian infrastructure and energy facilities, leaving communities without power, in extreme temperatures,” he said.
At the same time, he underlined that “this is not the behavior of a state seeking peace”, but the behavior of “a nation waging a war of attrition against an innocent civilian population”, while peace talks are underway in Abu Dhabi. He reiterated the position of the EU, that “only under pressure” Russia will come to the negotiating table, “with sincere intention”.
The circumvention tool
For the first time, the Commission proposes to activate the anti-circumvention tool by banning exports of digital control machines, computers and radios to countries with a high risk of re-export to Russia.
To energy sectora full ban on Russian crude oil maritime services is introduced, in coordination with the G7, while another 43 ships are added to Russia’s shadow fleet, bringing the total to 640, with maintenance bans on LNG tankers and icebreakers.
To banking sector20 more Russian regional banks are being targeted and measures against sanctions evasion through cryptocurrencies, companies and third countries are being strengthened.
At the same time, restrictions on exports of goods and services to Russia – from rubber and tractors to cyber security services – worth 360 million euros are being tightened, while new import bans on metals, chemicals and critical minerals, worth 570 million euros, are being introduced.
Exports are also limited to items and technologies used on the battlefield, such as materials for the production of explosives.
“Our sanctions are working”
The Commission president noted that Russia’s fiscal revenues from oil and natural gas are set to fall by 24% in 2025, with the budget deficit widening, while interest rates are at 16% and inflation remains high. “This confirms that our sanctions are working,” he stressed, adding that the EU will continue to apply them until Russia begins serious negotiations for a just and lasting peace.
At the same time, the Commission continues to support Ukraine, by approving a €90 billion loan, sending hundreds of generators for hospitals, homes and shelters, and participating in peace projects, with the US and the Coalition of the Willing, as well as in Ukraine’s long-term development plans. “Ukraine’s security, prosperity and freedom are at the heart of our Union,” Von der Leyen concluded.
In the same vein, EU High Representative Kaya Kalas said that “Russia continues to respond to missile diplomacy” and stressed that the EU is determined to “make this option painfully expensive”. He stressed that the sanctions are severely hurting the Russian economy and weakening Moscow’s ability to continue the war. “Moscow is not invincible. On the battlefield, its army is bogged down and internally its economy is crumbling,” said K. Kalas.
