Diplomat Foreign Desk
Stockholm: The EU’s 20th sanctions package includes comprehensive measures targeting the Russian economy, including its energy revenues and shadow fleet. The official statement says that the package also introduces steps to curb sanctions evasion, crypto services, and access to sensitive battlefield technology.
“EU Member States have finally agreed on a 20th sanctions package against Russia. In recent months, Sweden has pushed for fresh sanctions to be introduced as soon as possible. Work on a 21st package must now begin immediately, with even tougher measures against Russian energy exports, such as a ban on providing services to all ships leaving Russian ports carrying oil, gas, or coal,” said Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard.
The package introduces additional measures to limit the Russian shadow fleet, including a transaction ban covering more Russian oil ports and refineries in third countries involved in sanctions evasion. A further 43 ships linked to the shadow fleet have also been added to the sanctions list. It also paves the way for a maritime services ban to replace the oil price cap introduced in December 2022.
It includes a ban on offering Russian operators terminal services for liquefied natural gas (LNG) from January 1, 2027. New requirements ensure that EU tankers are not sold to Russian operators or used to transport oil for Russia. The package also bans services to Russian-flagged, owned, or managed LNG vessels and icebreakers involved in energy exports.
For the first time, the EU’s anti-circumvention tool—prohibiting the export of certain goods to third countries—is being applied. New export restrictions aim to limit Russia’s access to advanced technology, targeting an additional 60 companies in Russia and other countries linked to the Russian military industry.
Additional financial institutions, including some in third countries, have been added to the transaction ban list. The package also expands measures to address sanctions evasion through crypto-assets.
It further includes measures linked to Belarus’ support for Russia’s aggression. (Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Sweden)
