BRUSSELS — The European Union has formally adopted its 19th sanctions package targeting Russia in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine, a sweeping set of measures that for the first time includes a phased ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Under the new rules, the LNG ban will roll out in two stages: all short-term contracts with Russian suppliers must end within six months, while long-term deals will be terminated by January 1, 2027. The move accelerates the bloc’s plan to cut dependency on Russian energy, coming a year ahead of earlier timetables.
Beyond energy, the package imposes new financial, trade, and diplomatic restrictions: 117 additional vessels in Russia’s “shadow fleet” — primarily tankers evading sanctions — have been designated, bringing the total to 558. Russian diplomats will face tighter movement controls within the EU, and the bloc has expanded sanctions against Russian banks, cryptocurrency platforms, and entities in third countries accused of helping Moscow circumvent restrictions.
Slovakia had initially blocked the sanctions package but withdrew its objection after securing guarantees from the European Commission regarding energy prices and industrial protections. With no further objections filed, the package was adopted via written procedure.
EU leaders and officials framed the sanctions as a strategic deepening of pressure on Russia’s war economy. “It’s a significant package that targets main Russian revenue streams,” the Danish EU presidency said. Ukraine welcomed the move, noting several of its own proposals had been incorporated.
Still, the impact will depend on enforcement. EU authorities plan to adopt complementary measures—such as a maritime declaration to inspect Russia’s shadow fleet through cooperation with flag states—to close loopholes in sanctions evasion.
