European Commission presented proposals for the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. It is expected to be adopted by the anniversary of the war

Illustrative image. Photo: Thierry Monasse/Getty Images

As stated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the new package also envisages expanding the list of the so-called "shadow fleet" — another 43 vessels have been added to it, bringing their total number to 640. Additionally, it is planned to make it more difficult for Russia to acquire tankers. Extensive restrictions are being introduced on maintenance and other services for LNG tankers and icebreakers, which should reduce the capabilities of Russian gas export projects.

The second block of sanctions is aimed at increasing pressure on Russia's banking system. Another 20 regional banks, as well as cryptocurrency structures, companies and platforms used to circumvent sanctions, are expected to fall under restrictions. The measures will also affect banks in third countries that help illegally trade sanctioned goods.

The third block foresees further strengthening of trade restrictions. The EU intends to introduce new bans on the export of goods and services – from rubber and tractors to cybersecurity services – amounting to more than 360 million euros. Simultaneously, additional import restrictions are being introduced on metals, chemical products, and critical minerals totaling over 570 million euros, as well as new bans on the supply of dual-use goods and technologies, including materials for the production of explosives. A quota on ammonia imports is also proposed.

For the first time, the European Union plans to use a special mechanism against sanction circumvention, prohibiting the export of numerically controlled machine tools and radio stations to countries with a high risk of their re-export to Russia.

Additionally, the European Commission proposes to strengthen the legal protection of EU companies against intellectual property rights infringements and unfair expropriation in Russia in connection with the sanctions policy.

It is separately emphasized that the consent of all European Union member states is necessary to introduce the package of sanctions.

An important element of the new package could be the replacement of the oil price "cap" with a complete ban on maritime services. Sweden and Finland earlier put forward such an initiative, proposing to ban insurance, financing, and brokerage services for vessels transporting Russian energy carriers. According to their estimates, this will significantly increase Russia's transport costs and exclude the participation of European companies in this trade.

Von der Leyen proposes to introduce these measures in coordination with G7 countries. In such a case, the existing oil price cap will lose its key significance, and the ban on maritime services will become the main control instrument.

According to the Swedish government, as of October 2025, only about 35% of vessels transporting Russian oil operated within the price cap, while the remaining 65% belonged to the "shadow fleet".

Earlier, Ursula von der Leyen stated that the goal of the 20th sanctions package is to intensify pressure on Moscow to force it to sit at the negotiating table with a real intention to achieve peace.

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