On Wednesday, 19 February, EU ambassadors reached an agreement on the 16th sanctions package against Russia. The formal adoption is anticipated on Monday, 24 February. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas have expressed their support for the package. President von der Leyen stated, “The EU is clamping down even harder on circumvention by targeting more vessels in Putin’s shadow fleet and imposing new import and export bans.” Meanwhile, Kallas emphasised the EU’s commitment, sharing that “the Kremlin won’t break our resolve.”
The latest sanctions package includes:
- A phased ban on primary aluminium imports. This import ban will be phased in a year from the official adoption of the package.
- Restrictions on 13 banks, 48 individuals and 35 entities aiding Russia’s offensive against Ukraine. This loss includes both asset freezes and travel bans.
- Expansion of the blacklist of tankers operating within Russia’s shadow fleet. Any vessel identified as part of this fleet is prohibited from accessing EU ports and services.
- Restrictions on the sale of video game consoles, joysticks and flight simulators. These may be used by Russia’s military to control drones.
- A ban on exports of chromium and certain chemicals as well as a service ban for oil and gas refineries.
The development comes as U.S. President Donald Trump initiates negotiations with Russia, notably without European representation at the table. The four-hour meeting in Saudi Arabia consisted of Russia hardening its demands – insisting it would not tolerate the NATO alliance granting membership to Ukraine. Ukraine has stated it will not accept any deal imposed without its consent, meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasised that “there must be no decision over the heads of Ukraine.”
EU countries have expressed concern over these discussions, emphasising the importance of a unified Western stance on Russia. These unilateral negotiations have the potential to undermine existing sanctions and increase geopolitical instability.
The EU’s 16th sanctions package underscores the bloc’s commitment to opposing Russian aggression through stricter trade and financial measures. The inclusion of additional financial institutions and entities highlights a broader attempt to close loopholes from previous sanctions.
