BRUSSELS – October 22. The European Union approved its nineteenth package of sanctions against Russia on Thursday, intensifying efforts to restrict Moscow’s ability to finance and sustain its war in Ukraine.
In a statement, the European Commission said the measures aim to “deprive Moscow of the means to wage war and to weaken its military and economic base.” The package expands existing restrictions on energy, finance, and technology while introducing new penalties against entities accused of supporting Russia’s defense sector.
The decision includes a phased ban on Russian liquefied natural gas imports by January 2027, marking one of the bloc’s most significant steps toward ending its energy dependence on Russia. The EU also moved to prohibit investments in Russian special economic zones tied to the war effort and to sanction what it called a “shadow fleet” of vessels transporting Russian oil and commodities in violation of price caps and trade limits.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the package “another strong signal of our unity and determination.” High Representative Josep Borrell added that the bloc “will keep using sanctions as an effective tool of pressure until Russia stops its aggression and engages in a just and lasting peace.”
The sanctions must now be implemented by all 27 member states, a process that will involve coordination on enforcement and monitoring of compliance. The Commission said it would continue working with partners, including the G7, to close loopholes and curb circumvention.
“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues to cause immense suffering,” the statement concluded. “Our sanctions will remain in place and will be expanded as long as necessary.”
