The European Union (EU) announced this Thursday (23) a new and comprehensive package of sanctions against Russia, increasing pressure on the country’s energy sector a day after the United States blocked the two largest Russian oil companies.
The 19th European package, approved by Member States and released by the European Commission, imposes a total ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), in addition to severe restrictions on banks, technology companies, cryptocurrencies and the so-called “shadow fleet” of ships that transport oil clandestinely.
According to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, the new measures “make it increasingly difficult for [o ditador russo, Vladimir] Putin finances his war.” She stated that the new sanctions affect the Russian energy sector, banks, cryptocurrency exchanges and entities in China, among others.
“It is becoming increasingly difficult for Putin to finance his war. Every euro we deny Russia is one it cannot spend on war. The 19th package will not be the last,” Kallas recalled.
The announcement came one day after the government of United States President Donald Trump sanctioned the giants Rosneft and Lukoil, accused of financing “the Kremlin’s war machine”. Like Washington, the EU has tightened its grip on Russian oil and gas, eliminating exemptions and expanding restrictions on imports from third countries. The new package also includes a total block on transactions with the companies Rosneft and Gazprom Neft and sanctions on Chinese and Arab companies that continued to buy Russian oil.
According to the European Commission’s statement, the bloc also banned imports of Russian LNG on short-term contracts from 2026 and imposed restrictions on ports and maritime services on ships linked to Russia’s parallel fleet – already totaling 557 vessels. Among the additional measures, the package prohibits the provision of geological mapping services and other scientific activities that could support the Russian energy industry.
In the financial field, five new Russian banks were added to the transaction ban list, and the EU announced unprecedented sanctions against the Russian payment system Mir and its fast transfer version (SBP). The package also prohibits the use of a stablecoin pegged to the ruble and closes loopholes used by cryptocurrency exchanges in countries such as Paraguay, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
The European Commissioner for Financial Services, Maria Luís Albuquerque, said that the sanctions “hit right at the heart of the Russian economy”. In his words, “a ban on LNG will hit where it hurts most, while additional measures on financial services – including cryptocurrencies – and strengthening anti-circumvention mechanisms will have a strong impact. We will continue to develop and apply new measures for as long as necessary.”
The package also expands export restrictions on dual-use products, such as metals and components used in weapons, and lists 69 new individuals and companies linked to the Russian military-industrial complex, including oligarchs, mining companies and petrochemical companies. The Commission also reported that it reinforced the accountability of those involved in the kidnapping and “forced re-education” of Ukrainian children.
European Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen called the decision “historic”.
“Europe has decided to stop all imports of Russian LNG by the end of 2026 and dismantle the clandestine oil fleet. This is an unprecedented move, made in unity and full solidarity with Ukraine. It will deal a major blow to Putin’s war machine and sustain Kiev’s peace efforts,” he declared. The new sanctions mark the biggest joint action by Washington and Brussels since the start of the conflict in 2022.
