The European Union is preparing its 20th round of sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine. The measures are close to being approved, after earlier delays linked to energy concerns in Slovakia and Hungary eased following repairs to the Druzhba oil pipeline.
The package builds on earlier sanctions by widening restrictions on energy, shipping, finance and trade.
Energy remains central to the new measures. The EU plans a full ban on maritime services for Russian crude oil and refined products, though the timing will depend on coordination with G7 partners.
Further steps focus on shipping and gas:
These measures aim to limit Russia’s ability to move and export energy.
The EU is also tightening pressure on Russia’s oil transport network.
The “shadow fleet” refers to older or lightly regulated tankers used to move oil outside normal oversight.
New rules will also stop tankers being sold to Russia indirectly. Any sale will need a clause preventing resale to Russian buyers or use in Russian operations.
Around 120 people and organisations will be added to the sanctions list. This means travel bans, frozen assets and blocked business dealings.
Those listed will face:
Of these:
The draft sanctions take a closer aim at key parts of Russia’s oil industry, focusing on both production and refining.
Seven refineries are listed. These include major sites in Tuapse, Ryazan, Komsomolsk, Angarsk, Achinsk, Afipsky and Lukoil’s plant in Usinsk. These facilities process crude oil into fuels such as petrol, diesel and jet fuel, which are vital for both domestic use and export.
Two oil producers - Bashneft and Slavneft - are also included. Both are established firms within Russia’s energy sector and play a role in supplying crude oil to refineries and export markets.
By naming these companies, the EU is aiming to restrict their access to finance, services and international business. This can make it harder for them to maintain operations, upgrade equipment or sell their products abroad.
The measures also extend beyond Russia. Companies in third countries, including some based in the United Arab Emirates, are targeted if they are linked to transporting Russian oil or helping move it through global markets.
Financial measures are expanded to address sanctions evasion.
The EU is, for the first time, using its anti-circumvention tool against Kyrgyzstan.
This includes:
The package introduces new legal protections for EU firms.
It also allows future restrictions on Russian companies that benefit from the seizure or temporary control of EU-owned assets in Russia.
EU companies would be able to seek compensation through European courts if they suffer losses due to such claims enforced abroad.
The EU is expanding its list of banned imports from Russia.
Metals affected include:
Other materials include:
A peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia could be signed in 2027 or 2028, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Thursday, state news...
Kazakhstan is preparing sweeping military reforms after 14 service members died during exercises in the Caspian Sea. President Kassym-Jomart Tokaye...
Investing in children means more than funding schools and hospitals. At a major international summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, leaders and experts ...
Russia is willing in principle to resume peace talks with Ukraine and the United States in November, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said after President Vladimir Putin met U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg.
Russian strikes on Ukraine overnight killed at least two people and injured 15 others, including two children, Ukrainian authorities said. Meanwhile, Russia said it had intercepted the vast majority of 630 Ukrainian drones launched towards Moscow.
Saudi Aramco has ordered staff to evacuate its headquarters amid escalating Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Two people were killed in an attack on Dammam airport, while Iran's IRGC Navy claimed strikes on seven vessels and warned the U.S. of a wider response.
Yemen's Houthis have denied targeting the holy city of Medina on Wednesday adding that they have not conducted any military operations towards Saudi Arabia either, denying earlier comments from the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.
Georgia’s Constitutional Court in Batumi will on Wednesday hear a lawsuit seeking to ban five Georgian opposition parties, four of which collectively gained 784,820 votes (37.79 per cent) in the country’s last national elections in 2024.
Almost all of Taiwan shut down on Friday ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Champi, which is forecast to bring strong winds and torrential rain, and though the storm is weakening it could still make direct landfall on the island.
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order expanding access to tax-exempt diesel as soaring fuel prices frustrate voters ahead of the midterm elections. But farmers say using the fuel on public roads is too risky, while many other drivers cannot get hold of it.
The FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027 will take place from 17 September to 9 October next year in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced on Friday.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that ‘illegitimate’ protests would be banned in the coming days. He blamed ‘seditious’ ultra-left groups and vandals for last weekend’s riots and looting, as authorities prepare for fresh demonstrations on Saturday.
Russian strikes on Ukraine overnight killed at least two people and injured 15 others, including two children, Ukrainian authorities said. Meanwhile, Russia said it had intercepted the vast majority of 630 Ukrainian drones launched towards Moscow.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment