In the new sanctions package, as emphasized by Kallas, the main focus is on Russian banking institutions, cryptocurrency exchanges, as well as organizations in China and India. The restrictions also affect the movement of Russian diplomats to prevent destabilization. “It is becoming increasingly difficult for Putin to finance the war,” she noted.
According to Reuters, the new measures include a ban on the import of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG). These restrictions will be implemented in stages: short-term contracts will be terminated in six months, while long-term contracts will end on January 1, 2027. Additionally, 117 tankers will be added to the blacklist of the "shadow fleet," increasing the total number to 558. Furthermore, a ban on the reinsurance of Russian ships and aircraft will be imposed for five years after their sale.
In total, the new sanctions will affect 45 organizations that have helped Russia circumvent restrictions, including 12 companies from China and Hong Kong, according to information from Bloomberg. In particular, transactions with five Russian banks and cryptocurrency services for residents and companies from Russia will be prohibited. Additionally, restrictions on Russian electronic payment systems, such as "Mir," will be expanded, and sanctions will be imposed on four banks from Belarus and Kazakhstan. Transactions with five banks, one cryptocurrency exchange, and two oil traders in countries such as Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Paraguay, the UAE, and Hong Kong will be banned.
According to diplomatic sources, among the new restrictions, four Chinese companies related to the oil industry will also be affected, including two oil refineries and a trading company that helps Russia circumvent sanctions.
Slovakia, the last country to slow down the process of adopting the new package, sought guarantees from the European Commission regarding control over high energy prices and consideration of its industry interests in climate policy. A Slovak diplomat reported that the demands were taken into account in the new provisions added to the final communiqué of the EU leaders' summit.
Andriy Yermak, head of the office of the President of Ukraine, expressed approval of the new sanctions package, noting that many of Kyiv's proposals were included. “But this is just the beginning. Package No. 20 is already being developed. The logic is simple: the less money in Russia, the fewer missiles in Ukraine,” he added.
Recall that the previous sanctions package against Russia was adopted by the European Union in July 2025.
