News item | 23-04-2026 | 17:07
On April 23, 2026, the European Union (EU) adopted a new sanctions package against Russia. The sanctions include additional measures against the shadow fleet and Russian banks.
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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
Measures against the Russian shadow fleet
The EU imposes additional sanctions on another 46 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 632 ships. With these sanctions we hit the Russian war chest and protect our coasts.
120 new persons and companies on the sanctions list
The EU has added another 120 individuals and companies to the sanctions list. This includes high-ranking military personnel involved in the Russian chemical weapons program. And about individuals and organizations that contribute to the Russian arms industry and sanctions circumvention. Based on a Dutch proposal, two companies involved in the shadow fleet will also be added to the sanctions list.
Additional measures against sanction circumvention
EU countries impose export restrictions on another 60 organizations (including from Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and China) involved in circumventing sanctions. The EU is also deploying a more stringent mechanism (the country mechanism) to ban the export of CNC machines to Kyrgyzstan, due to the high risk of circumvention. CNC machines are automated devices that can, for example, make weapon parts.
New import and export bans
Import bans give Russia less income that it can use for the war. With export bans, Russia has less and less access to high technology that it can use for warfare or weapons production.
The EU has therefore further expanded the import and export bans. This includes a ban on the export of rubber, tractors and industrial lubricants to Russia. In addition, the import of copper and nickel from Russia will be limited. And from 2027, the import of natural gas condensate into the EU will be phased out.
Steps towards a complete ban on services to Russian oil exports
The EU is taking steps towards a ban on all maritime services to Russian oil exports. The existing oil price ceiling must make way for a ban on all services to Russian oil exports. The Netherlands also supports these plans, and EU countries have now agreed to further investigate the precise conditions. In addition, restrictions are already being imposed on services for the transport of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Financial measures
The EU imposes sanctions on another 20 Russian banks and 4 banks from other countries involved in circumvention. In addition, the EU is introducing sanctions against 2 crypto coins and various online payment platforms.
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.
