EU proposes 21st sanctions package targeting Russia's energy, finance and crypto sectors

The European Commission presented a new, 21st sanctions package against Russia, concentrating on the sectors with the greatest economic and security impact: energy, financial services and cryptocurrency activities. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined 16 measures, including tighter controls on the Russian "ghost fleet," stricter rules for crypto‑asset platforms, the ability to block third‑country platforms that facilitate sanctions evasion, new limits on the export of military technologies, drones and certain metals, and a proposal to prohibit former Russian combatants from entering the EU.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas added that the proposal would temporarily cap the price of Russian oil and designate institutions used by Moscow to generate revenue. It also restricts imports of automotive parts, precious‑metal ores and chemicals, while expanding export controls on materials such as nickel powder and high‑performance alloys. More than 30 designations target drone manufacturers and over 50 companies, including entities in China, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates and India. A comprehensive visa ban for Russian combatants and ex‑combatants is also part of the plan.