EU envoys are preparing to approve a 20th sanctions package against Russia because of its war in Ukraine, with Slovakia and Hungary likely to support it after the Druzhba oil pipeline repairs. The EU aimed to implement these sanctions to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24.
Key areas of the proposed measures include oil and gas restrictions. These involve a full ban on maritime services for Russian crude and refined products, which will be coordinated with the G7 before implementation. Additional bans are set for technical and financial services for Russia-flagged icebreakers and LNG tankers from April 25, 2026, and for foreign-owned vessels operating in Russia starting January 1, 2027. Furthermore, providing LNG terminal services to Russian entities controlled by Russian citizens will also be banned.
The sanctions package includes port restrictions, banning transactions with the Karimun oil port in Indonesia and two Russian ports, Murmansk and Tuapse. It also adds 46 vessels to Russia’s shadow fleet list, taking it to over 600.
The sanctions will add 120 individuals and entities to an asset freeze list, including 56 linked to Russia’s military and energy sectors. There are specific bans on seven Russian refineries and two oil producers, and the package targets companies linked to the shadow fleet.
New transaction bans will affect 20 additional Russian banks involved in sanctions circumvention in several countries. The package also introduces clauses to enable the EU to ban business with entities enforcing Russian legal claims and allows EU companies to sue for damages from Russian claims in foreign courts.
Import bans will target metals like nickel, iron ores, copper in various forms, along with other materials such as salt and ammonia.
With information from Reuters
