🏛️ EU approves 20th sanctions package targeting Russia's oil and banking sectors

Oneliner

The EU has approved its twentieth sanctions package against Russia, targeting the country's oil exports, banking system, and various goods. Key measures include a full ban on maritime services for Russian crude oil and restrictions on 43 additional vessels in Russia's shadow fleet. The package also aims to impose new import bans on metals and chemicals, with an expected economic impact exceeding €570 million. Meanwhile, the UK is considering military options to seize Russia-linked tankers, reflecting escalating tensions in the region.

Key points

• The EU's latest sanctions package includes a full ban on maritime services for Russian oil.
• New restrictions target 43 additional vessels in Russia's shadow fleet, raising the total to 640.
• The package aims to further restrict Russian banks and includes new import bans on metals and chemicals.
• The UK is considering military options to seize Russia-linked tankers amid escalating tensions.

Links

• 20minutos: Bruselas pone el foco en la 'flota fantasma' de Rusia, bancos y exportaciones
• Politico Europe: EU targets Russian energy, banks, goods and services in latest sanctions package
• The Guardian: UK threatens to seize Russia-linked shadow fleet tanker in escalatory move

Facts

• The sanctions package includes a total ban on maritime services for Russian oil.
• 43 additional vessels have been added to the blacklist, totaling 640.
• New import bans on metals, chemicals, and critical minerals are projected to impact the Russian economy by over €570 million.
• The EU aims to finalize the sanctions package by February 24, 2026.

Quotes

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

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