EU Expands Sanctions on Russia in 20th Package, Largest in Two Years
EU Sanctions Package 20: Largest in Two Years Targets Energy, Crypto, and Russian Banks
The European Union adopted the 20th sanctions package against Russia, the largest in two years in terms of the number of individuals and entities targeted (120 listings).
The new measures include: a ban on the ports of Murmansk and Tuapse, restrictions on 20 banks, sanctions on cryptocurrencies, and a comprehensive sectoral ban on Russian crypto-asset platforms.
Sanctions were also expanded to include Belarus and a Chinese company, along with a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, amid a Russian response promising careful study and Moscow’s continued assertion of its ability to circumvent these measures.
Largest Sanctions Package in Two Years
The Council of the European Union announced that the bloc adopted the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, the largest number of targeted measures against individuals and legal entities in two years.
The statement said: “The Council today adopted the 20th package of restrictive measures, which includes 120 additional individual listings.” The new sanctions include travel restrictions and asset freezes against a number of individuals and entities accused by the EU of supporting Russian military efforts or benefiting from the Russian economy amid the conflict with Ukraine.
Ban on Ports of Murmansk and Tuapse
Under the 20th package, a ban was imposed on operations related to two Russian ports: the Port of Murmansk and the Port of Tuapse. The Council of the European Union statement read: “This package prohibits operations concerning two Russian ports – Murmansk and Tuapse.”
Ban on 20 Banks and Third-Country Institutions
The Council of the European Union also announced a ban on financial transactions involving 20 Russian banks. Sanctions were expanded to include four financial institutions in third countries, accused of helping Russian entities circumvent restrictions or integrate into Russia’s financial messaging system, a local alternative to the global SWIFT network.
Comprehensive Sectoral Ban on Cryptocurrencies
A comprehensive sectoral ban was also announced on Russian service providers and platforms dedicated to the transfer and trading of crypto-assets, as part of the 20th package.
The statement said: “The Union imposes a comprehensive sectoral ban on service providers and platforms of Russian origin that enable the transfer and exchange of crypto-assets.” The EU also imposed a ban on any transactions using the “RUBx” cryptocurrency linked to the ruble, as well as a ban on any form of European support for the development of the digital ruble project, alongside sectoral sanctions on Russian platforms facilitating crypto-asset exchange.
Sanctions on Belarus and a Chinese Company
The European Union also announced an expansion of its restrictive measures against Belarus to include new measures in the areas of trade, cryptocurrencies, cybersecurity, and tourism, as part of the same sanctions package directed against Russia.
It clarified that the new package includes measures against Belarus comprising trade restrictions, legal measures, cryptocurrency-related measures, as well as restrictions on the provision of services in cybersecurity and tourism.
The statement indicated that the EU imposed, for the first time under the sanctions regime on Belarus, sanctions against a Chinese state-owned company, accusing it of participating in the production of Belarusian military industries.
The sanctions also targeted specific companies, including the Belarusian Oil Company, Volat-Santsiang, and the China Space Sanjiang Group. The EU also extended the validity of the sanctions regime on Belarus until February 28, 2027, as part of tightening pressure on Minsk.
Russian Response Promising Careful Study
In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko affirmed that Moscow’s response to the 20th sanctions package adopted by the European Union would come after careful study of its content.
Grushko said: “Our response will inevitably come, and we will carefully study what has been adopted,” noting the need to analyze the new restrictions at the expert level. He added: “We are well aware of the European Union’s approach; launching loud statements through media platforms is one thing, but practical reality is quite another. Therefore, our experts will conduct a thorough reading of the regulations, directives, and all related documents… They have persisted in this for many years, but without success.”
Russian Affirmation of Ability to Circumvent Sanctions
It is noted that Moscow has repeatedly affirmed that Russia is capable of overcoming the pressures and sanctions that the West began imposing years ago and continues to intensify, stressing that these measures will not achieve their goals of weakening the Russian economy or deterring Moscow from its policies.
European Discontent Over Repercussions
This new round of sanctions comes as European countries continue their efforts to coordinate positions on the Ukraine file, amid discontent in European society due to the reverse impact affecting European citizens.
€90 Billion Loan and Veto Waiver
Yesterday, ambassadors of the 27 EU countries approved a €90 billion loan to Ukraine and the imposition of new sanctions against Russia, after Hungary and Slovakia waived their veto rights against the two decisions.
However, a diplomatic source in Brussels reported that the European Commission removed the core element of the 20th sanctions package, namely the full ban on Russian oil transportation through European transport companies and related services including insurance, and proposed that EU countries urgently adopt a “watered-down” version of the package.
Crypto, antielusione e scudo legale: cosa prevede il 20° pacchetto di sanzioni Ue contro la Russia https://t.co/2ovbnMjLyZ
— Adnkronos (@Adnkronos) April 23, 2026
Read also:
Belgian Minister: EU Should Prevent Russia-Belarus Unification
