The European Union is preparing a further expansion of its sanctions against Russia, with Central Asia emerging for the first time as a distinct point of focus.
According to a draft proposal reviewed by Reuters, Brussels intends to activate its anti-circumvention mechanism against third countries. The aim is to restrict financial and technological channels that EU officials believe remain essential to sustaining the Russian economy.
The most immediate impact would be felt in Kyrgyzstan. The EU has proposed adding two local lenders, Keremet Bank and OJSC Capital Bank of Central Asia, to its sanctions list, citing their role in providing crypto-asset services used by Russia. If approved, the banks would be barred from conducting transactions with EU individuals and companies.
EU officials say the step is aimed at curbing the use of third countries as transit points for trade and financial flows into Russia. Kyrgyzstan has drawn particular attention following a surge in imports of goods restricted under EU sanctions, much of which is believed to be destined for the Russian market.
Sanctioning third countries
Similar restrictions are proposed for banks in Laos and Tajikistan, while two Chinese financial institutions are set to be removed from existing sanctions lists.
The package is not limited to banking measures. Brussels is also proposing to ban exports to Kyrgyzstan of metal-cutting machine tools and communications equipment, including devices used for voice, image and data transmission. This would mark the first formal application of the EU’s anti-circumvention tool against a third country within the sanctions framework linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
All measures form part of the EU’s 20th sanctions package, jointly drafted by the European External Action Service and the European Commission and presented to member states on Monday. Adoption requires unanimous approval from all EU countries. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the package included broad sectoral restrictions and signalled a shift away from the G7 price cap on Russian oil towards a full ban on maritime services related to its transport.
The proposal also widens existing trade restrictions. New import bans would cover nickel bars, iron ores and concentrates, unrefined and processed copper, as well as various types of scrap metal, including aluminium. The list also includes salt, ammonia, pebbles, silicon and furskins.
In parallel, the EU is seeking to extend its framework of asset freezes and travel bans. The proposal would add 30 individuals and 64 companies, including Bashneft, a subsidiary of the Russian oil group Rosneft, as well as eight Russian oil refineries. Among them are the Tuapse and Syzran plants, both controlled by Rosneft. The document stops short of listing Rosneft itself or Lukoil, which are already subject to US sanctions.
The measures reflect the EU’s effort to recalibrate its sanctions strategy. The focus is shifting beyond Russian entities to the international financial, trade and logistics networks that Brussels believes continue to support Russia’s energy exports and access to critical technologies.
Demonstrators carrying Iranian flags and placards supporting the hijab gathered outside the Azerbaijani Embassy...
A Chinese-made AI chip has matched Nvidia’s H200 in tests conducted by its developer, marking a potential breakthrough in China’s effor...
China’s GJ-21 carrier-based stealth reconnaissance and strike drone has completed its first take-off and landing on board the Sichuan, the co...
The Middle East conflict remains tense as diplomatic efforts continue alongside renewed Houthi attacks. Iran says it remains open to mediation, while the Saudi-led coalition says it intercepted a ballistic missile fired towards the kingdom.
Rescuers searched the wreckage of two high-speed trains in central Spain on Thursday as the death toll rose to a provisional 74, making it the country's second fatal high-speed rail disaster this year.
Qatari mediators returned to Tehran on Friday as part of efforts to reach a deal between the U.S. and Iran, according to an official briefed on the talks.
Evacuations and the provision of humanitarian aid in the Russian-occupied southern Ukrainian town of Oleshky have begun, a senior Ukrainian official said on Friday. In a statement on Telegram, David Arakhamia said a six-day ceasefire was holding, and that more details would follow.
UN human rights experts comprising a group including Special Rapporteurs and independent experts who are part of the UN Human Rights Council, have criticised French authorities over their handling of nationwide student protests.
Demonstrators carrying Iranian flags and placards supporting the hijab gathered outside the Azerbaijani Embassy in London.
Opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan surged by 330 per cent in 2026 despite a four-year ban, the United Nations said on Thursday. Afghan authorities disputed the findings, while Japan urged continued support for farmers seeking alternative livelihoods.
Central Asia could gain up to $640 million a year from closer energy cooperation, but strained electricity grids threaten to limit those gains, with Kazakhstan particularly exposed to regional power shortages and growing pressure on its network.
Georgia and Azerbaijan are stepping up efforts to boost trade, strengthen transport links between Asia and Europe and resolve a longstanding border dispute, as both countries seek to deepen their strategic partnership.
People travelling between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan could soon be able to pay for purchases using their usual banking apps. Central banks from the five countries are working on linking their national payment systems.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment