The European Commission has officially clarified what will be included in the 21st package of sanctions against the Russian Federation
Kyiv • UNN
The EU has presented the 21st sanctions package, covering energy, finance, and fisheries. An entry ban has been introduced for all Russian military personnel.
New restrictions included in the 21st package of sanctions against Russia will concern the energy sector, financial services, cryptocurrency trading, technology exports for the military industry, as well as the fishing industry. This was stated on June 9 by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the presentation of the new sanctions package, UNN reports.
According to the head of the European Commission, the 21st sanctions package will focus on those sectors of the economy where restrictions will have the greatest impact on the aggressor country.
Today we are proposing the 21st package of sanctions. We are focusing on sectors where the impact will be greatest. These are energy, financial services, and cryptocurrency trading. And this time, for the first time, the fishing industry is included in the package
Details
In the energy sector, the European Commission proposes to maintain the current price cap mechanism for Russian oil without adjustment until January next year. It is also planned to expand sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet by including another 30 vessels in the lists.
In addition, for the first time, restrictions may affect vessels that support the operation of the shadow fleet, as well as ports, airports, and oil refineries involved in the trade or processing of Russian oil. The European Commission also proposes to ban the sale of tankers for transporting liquefied natural gas to Russia.
How Russia's financial sector will be restricted
A separate block of sanctions will concern the financial sector. The EU plans to extend the ban on operations to another 31 Russian banks, as well as to 20 banks, cryptocurrency companies, platforms, and oil traders in third countries that helped circumvent sanctions.
"For the first time, we will also introduce the possibility of a full ban for cryptocurrency services in third countries. This will become a powerful deterrent for platforms that help Russia circumvent sanctions," stated the President of the European Commission.
EU introduced new sanctions for the Russian metallurgical industry: details
New trade restrictions also include a ban on the export to Russia of additional metals and alloys used in the aerospace and defense sectors, as well as in the production of drones. In addition, electronic jamming systems, launch systems, and other specialized equipment may fall under the restrictions.
What is known about trade sanctions against the RF
At the same time, the EU proposes new import restrictions on Russian goods with a total value of about 60 million euros, in particular on certain types of metals, ores, and auto parts.
For the first time, fishing may also fall under sanctions. The European Commission proposes to significantly restrict the import of certain types of fish products and completely ban the import of some of them, including cod.
The new package also provides for the harmonization of trade restrictions regarding Belarus to prevent the circumvention of anti-Russian sanctions with its involvement.
Which Russians the European Union has banned from entering its territory
One of the main innovations of the 21st sanctions package was the ban on entry into the European Union for individuals who served in the Russian armed forces after the start of the full-scale war against Ukraine.
"Europe will remain closed to everyone who participated in the invasion of Ukraine. It's very simple," von der Leyen emphasized.
The European Union increases sanctions pressure on Russia: context
According to the President of the European Commission, four years after the start of the full-scale invasion, Russia has not achieved its strategic goals in Ukraine, so economic pressure on the aggressor country must be increased.
"Four years after the start of the full-scale invasion, Russia has clearly failed to subdue Ukraine. The price Russia pays is becoming higher every day," von der Leyen stressed.
She emphasized that EU sanctions continue to weaken the economic foundations of the Russian war machine. According to her, the Russian economy is slowing down, the budget is under increasing pressure, and energy revenues at the beginning of 2026 have decreased by about 40%.
"Hundreds of vessels of the Russian shadow fleet have fallen under our sanctions. Export controls deprive the Russian defense industry of critical technologies and components. So our consistency in implementing sanctions packages is bringing results," stated Ursula von der Leyen.
The EU continues to help Ukraine: how ally states will support Kyiv in the near future
In addition to sanctions pressure on Russia, the European Commission confirmed the continuation of financial support for Ukraine.
According to the President of the European Commission, the day before, Ukraine received almost 3 billion euros under the Ukraine Facility program, and in the near future, the first tranche under the new 90 billion euro loan mechanism will be carried out.
Von der Leyen also reported that in the coming days, the EU will officially open the first negotiation cluster with Ukraine and Moldova, which will mark the official start of the next stage of negotiations on accession to the European Union.