EU’s new sanctions package hits Russia’s war machine, bans entry for combatants for first time

This was stated by Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the Ukrainian President’s Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, in comments to Ukrinform.

“The main conclusion from the adoption of the 21st sanctions package is that the European Union has once again demonstrated that it is capable of reaching compromises and continuing pressure. Of course, there were disputes: some partners again tried to politicize their profits from the logistics of Russian energy supplies (in particular, the transportation of LNG). Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church and Lukoil founder Vagit Alekperov were also removed from the final draft. But the key and fundamental measures were preserved,” Vlasiuk said.

He said the 21st EU sanctions package includes maintaining the oil price cap at $44.1 per barrel.

“Amid a surge in global prices, the automatic formula could have raised the limit, but the EU froze the revision for a year to prevent the Kremlin from earning more,” he explained.

At the same time, sanctions were expanded against Russia’s shadow fleet, with 50 more vessels added to the list.

“For the first time, related infrastructure has also been targeted – bunkering facilities, ports, nuclear power plants, and oil refineries that service or process Russian oil. Separate provisions have also been introduced concerning LNG and the resale of vessels, adopted as part of a compromise: an exception applies to the transportation of specified volumes of LNG from Yamal to China,” Vlasiuk said.

The new sanctions package also affects Russia’s financial sector. Restrictions on transactions have been expanded to include an additional 90 banks, cryptocurrency platforms, and oil traders in third countries. According to Vlasiuk, for the first time the EU has introduced the possibility of fully blocking crypto services used to circumvent sanctions outside the bloc.

“Defense industry and trade. A blow has been dealt to the production of drones and military equipment: exports of ground equipment for UAVs, jamming systems, and specific metals and alloys have been banned,” he said.

The presidential adviser added that the package also includes personal restrictions and sanctions targeting combatants.

“Nearly 250 individuals and legal entities have been sanctioned. In addition, for the first time, an entry ban into the EU has been introduced for Russian military personnel who directly participated in the war against Ukraine,” he emphasized.

Vlasiuk noted that a significant share of the proposals included in the package was a direct result of analysis and work carried out by the Ukrainian team.

“We systematically provided our partners with priorities, evidence of sanctions evasion schemes through third countries, and information on new components used in Russian weapons. We thank our partners for their work and consistent support. We are already working on the 22nd package and specific targeted measures — in particular, against those involved in the deportation of Ukrainian children and the organizers of sham elections in the temporarily occupied territories,” Vlasiuk concluded.

As reported by Ukrinform, after EU member states reached an agreement on the content of the 21st sanctions package against Russia, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa issued statements supporting the important decision.