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The European Commission has proposed a new package of sanctions targeting Russia, expanding restrictions across energy, finance, trade and fisheries. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the measures on Tuesday, describing them as part of the EU's continued response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The proposals are expected to be presented to EU member states on Wednesday for discussion by their permanent representatives.
A key element of the package focuses on Russia's energy industry. The Commission plans to add 30 more vessels linked to the Russian "shadow fleet" to the sanctions list, which already includes hundreds of ships. Companies and vessels providing support services to these tankers would also face restrictions. The package would also prohibit the sale of tankers to Russia and introduce penalties against facilities involved in handling Russian oil.
In financial services, the EU is seeking to extend transaction restrictions to 31 additional Russian banks. Measures would also apply to 20 banks, cryptocurrency firms and oil-trading intermediaries located outside Russia that are accused of helping bypass existing sanctions. The proposals include a new mechanism allowing a complete ban on crypto-asset services in third countries linked to sanctions evasion.
Trade restrictions would be expanded through export controls on metals and alloys used in aerospace and defence manufacturing, as well as equipment associated with drones, jamming technology and launch systems. The Commission is also proposing import bans worth €60 million covering metals, mineral products and vehicle parts.
For the first time, fisheries are included in an EU sanctions package against Russia. The measures would restrict imports of certain fish products and completely ban others, including cod. Similar trade controls would also be applied to Belarus to prevent Russian goods from entering EU markets through a different route.
Another proposal would deny entry to the European Union for individuals who have served in the Russian armed forces since the invasion of Ukraine began.
At the same time, Brussels confirmed continued support for Kyiv. Nearly €3 billion has already been released through the Ukraine Facility, while the first payment from a €90 billion loan programme is expected before the end of the month. EU funding for drones is set to reach €6 billion by the end of June, alongside more than €30 million in macro-financial assistance.
Von der Leyen also reiterated support for Ukraine's future membership of the European Union, saying the country has met its commitments and that accession talks are expected to take another step forward soon, with the opening of the first negotiating cluster for both Ukraine and Moldova.
