🏛️ EU unveils 20th sanctions package against Russia amid ongoing conflict

Oneliner

The EU has announced its 20th sanctions package against Russia, targeting the energy, finance, and trade sectors as the war in Ukraine nears its fourth anniversary. Key measures include a full ban on maritime services for Russian crude oil and restrictions on 20 additional banks. The sanctions aim to reduce Russia's revenues by approximately €570 million annually. Approval from all EU member states is required for the measures to take effect, with a goal to finalize the package by February 24, 2026.

Key points

• The EU's 20th sanctions package targets Russian energy, finance, and trade sectors.
• Key measures include a full ban on maritime services for Russian crude oil.
• The package aims to reduce Russia's energy revenues by approximately €570 million annually.
• Approval from all EU member states is required for the sanctions to take effect.

Links

• Reuters: Sanctions force Russia to dump naphtha into STS transfers and storage hubs, traders say
• Euronews: EU delays new sanctions on Russia as it seeks G7 input on price cap
• BFMTV: "À un moment donné, il faudra établir des contacts avec le président Poutine", avance la Commission européenne
• Die Welt: EU bringt 20. Paket mit Russland-Sanktionen auf den Weg - WELT
• El Mundo: Bruselas propone el 20ª paquete de sanciones a Rusia tras casi 1.500 días de guerra: "El Kremlin ataca deliberadamente casas e infraestructuras civiles"
• Euronews: EU proposes new sanctions to weaken Russia's oil and gas revenues
• Europa Press: Bruselas pone el foco en la 'flota fantasma' de Rusia, bancos y exportaciones en su 20 ronda de sanciones
• BFMTV: L'UE veut mettre le coup de grâce à Moscou: alors que l'économie russe a flanché en 2025, Bruxelles dévoile de nouvelles sanctions qui vont toucher la banque et les pétroliers
• Politico: EU targets Russian energy, banks, goods and services in latest sanctions package
• Diário de Notícias: UE anuncia 20.º pacote de sanções contra a Rússia e abrange energia, finanças e comércio

Facts

• The sanctions package is the 20th since the start of the war in Ukraine.
• A full ban on maritime services for Russian crude oil is included.
• The package targets 20 additional Russian banks and cryptocurrency transactions.
• Expected revenue reduction for Russia is approximately €570 million annually.

Quotes

• Russia will only come to the table with genuine intent if it is pressured to do so — this is the only language Russia understands. — Ursula von der Leyen
• We will continue to use sanctions until Russia engages in serious negotiations with Ukraine for a just and lasting peace. — Ursula von der Leyen

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