23.07.2026 21:10
The Council of the European Union has adopted the most comprehensive sanctions package against Russia in the last four years due to the war in Ukraine, announcing that 218 individuals and entities linked to Russia have been added to the sanctions list.
European Union member states reached a political agreement today on the 21st sanctions package against Russia, following weeks of negotiations. After reaching an agreement, the EU Council formally adopted the sanctions package. The EU Council added a total of 218 individuals and entities to the sanctions list under the most comprehensive sanctions package in the last four years.
ASSETS OF 94 BANKS FROZEN
Under the new sanctions package, the assets of 94 banks and major financial institutions were frozen. Additionally, transaction bans were imposed on 33 more Russian financial institutions. Four banks and 14 crypto platforms outside Russia, identified as helping to circumvent sanctions, were also targeted. The EU established a mechanism to impose comprehensive transaction bans on third countries hosting crypto services used by Russia.
41 MORE SHIPS ADDED TO SANCTIONS LIST
According to a statement from the EU Council, 41 more ships linked to Russia's "shadow fleet" were added to the sanctions list. This brought the total number of sanctioned ships to 673. Additionally, 19 individuals and entities from the oil sector, including three refineries in Russia and a major refinery in Belarus, were added to the sanctions list. Under the sanctions, 56 individuals and entities linked to the Russian defense industry were also listed. The price cap on Russian oil was frozen for one year to protect against market shocks.
"MOST COMPREHENSIVE IN 4 YEARS"
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said the new package includes "comprehensive measures targeting the financial system, military-industrial complex, and energy sector that enable Russia's war economy." Kallas stated that the 21st sanctions package "hits Russian President Vladimir Putin where it hurts most" and cuts off the financial resources Russia needs to sustain the war, adding, "This is the most comprehensive sanctions package of the last four years, with 218 individuals and entities added to the list. We targeted over 100 banks and crypto service providers, more than 40 shadow fleet ships, and some oil refineries in Russia and Belarus that help Moscow continue its war. We are also responding to Russia's relentless attacks on civilians, infrastructure, and cultural heritage. We have imposed sanctions on more than 50 entities operating in the military industry, including key actors involved in the production of Russian long-range unmanned aerial vehicles."
GREECE OBJECTED
The strongest objection to the 21st sanctions package against Russia came from Greece. Dominating the European market in liquefied natural gas (LNG) transportation, Greece requested amendments to the ban on Russian LNG, set to take effect from the beginning of January 2027, and sought a comprehensive exemption to allow Greece to continue transporting Russian LNG to non-EU markets. Following turbulent negotiations that jeopardized the entire package, an agreement was reached to grant Greece a one-year exemption.