News item | 23-10-2025 | 16:27
On October 23, 2025, the European Union (EU) adopted a new sanctions package against Russia. The sanctions include a ban on the import of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) and measures against banks and crypto providers. There will also be a reporting obligation for Russian diplomats who want to travel to other EU countries.
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EU: sanctions against Russia
The EU has imposed sanctions on Russia for its illegal invasion of Ukraine. And the Russian attacks that deliberately target residential areas, hospitals, power plants and water supplies. The sanctions remain necessary to further increase pressure on Russia. Sanctions make it harder for Russia to continue funding the war.
The new sanctions in brief
New sanctions on Russian energy revenues
With the new sanctions package, the EU is committed to further reducing Russia’s energy revenues. An important new measure is a ban on the import of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) into the EU. The EU is also taking measures against companies from other countries that enable Russian energy income, including two refineries and an oil trader.
Measures against the Russian shadow fleet
The EU imposes additional sanctions on another 117 ships from the Russian shadow fleet. These ships are involved in circumventing the oil price ceiling, transporting military supplies or stolen Ukrainian grain. With the sanctions, the ships no longer have access to European ports and services. This ban now applies to 557 ships. With these sanctions we hit the Russian war chest and protect our coasts.
Financial measures
Russia is increasingly using crypto to circumvent sanctions. For that purpose the stablecoin A7A5 developed, with support from the Russian state. This cryptocurrency has become an important instrument for Russia to finance the war in Ukraine. That is why sanctions are being imposed against the developer of A7A5, the issuer of the cryptocurrency and a platform where much of this coin is traded. Transactions with A7A5 are prohibited throughout the EU.
There is also now a transaction ban for 8 banks and oil traders from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong that are circumventing EU sanctions. And a transaction ban applies to another 5 Russian banks and 4 banks from Belarus and Kazakhstan.
Russian diplomats in Schengen area
There will be stricter controls on Russian diplomats who want to travel outside their country of accreditation within the Schengen area. The measures should better protect Ukraine and the EU against increased hybrid threats from Russia.
69 new persons and companies on the sanctions list
The EU has added another 69 individuals and companies to the sanctions list. This includes 11 people involved in the kidnapping, forced adoption, assimilation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children. And 45 companies that support the Russian war industry by circumventing sanctions on (military) technology. The EU has also put Russia’s largest gold producer on the sanctions list. To further limit Russian income for the war.
Export ban on even more products
EU countries have agreed to ban the export of even more products to Russia. This includes certain electronic components, rangefinders and other chemicals and metals that Russia can use for its war industry.
Are the sanctions against Russia effective?
The sanctions against Russia affect the Russian treasury. Among other things, €300 billion from the Russian Central Bank has been blocked in the EU and G7 countries. More than €21 billion in private assets have been frozen. And Russia is missing out on approximately €91 billion in exports to the EU. Money that Russia cannot use to wage war. Also read the article: Do sanctions work?
Export restrictions also mean that Russia has less and less access to high technology, such as aircraft parts and computer chips.
Continued commitment of the European Union
The European Union remains committed to supporting Ukraine in its right to self-defense against Russian aggression. And to build a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future. A complete overview of the sanctions can be found on the EU sanctions page. See also the EU timeline of sanctions against Russia.