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New sanctions package against Russia

Germany - Federal Government

The EU Member States have agreed on an 18th package of sanctions against Russia. This package is another clear signal to Russia: the EU is continuing to work towards the goal of achieving just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

Monday, 21 July 2025

On 18 July 2025, the EU adopted the 18th package of sanctions against Russia - one of the toughest packages of measures to date. It is aimed in particular at the Russian energy, banking and military sectors. It is also once again directed at the evasion of sanctions and calls Russia to account for its crimes against Ukrainian children and Ukraine's cultural heritage.

Measures against the energy sector

In the energy sector, the price cap for Russian crude oil has been lowered from 60 to 47.60 US dollars per barrel. In future, it is to be regularly adjusted on the basis of a dynamic oil price cap, which is always 15 percent below the global market price.

The new package of measures also includes sanctions against the so-called "Russian shadow fleet". A further 105 ships transporting Russian oil in circumvention of previous sanctions have been listed by the EU - a total of 444 ships are now affected.

In addition, the import of products made from Russian crude oil refined in third countries is prohibited. Any transactions in connection with the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines are also prohibited, meaning that recommissioning is not possible.

Measures against the banking sector

The financial sanctions are aimed at further restricting Russia's access to the European financial system. A total of 45 Russian banks have been completely excluded.

For the first time, the EU is extending its measures to financial institutions in third countries such as China and Turkey - especially if they circumvent sanctions or work with cryptocurrencies. The provision of banking software to Russian institutions has also been prohibited in order to prevent technical support for financial transactions.

Trade sanctions

In terms of trade policy, the package is aimed in particular at the Russian military-industrial complex. The list of prohibited dual-use goods has been significantly expanded and now also includes CNC machines and chemical components that can be used to produce fuels.

Sanctions have also been imposed on companies from Russia, China, Hong Kong and Turkey that supply militarily relevant goods and thus contribute to Russian warfare.

Belarus has also been included: eight Belarusian companies that support Russia with security-related supplies are affected.

Human rights and cultural protection

The sanctions package specifically targets individuals responsible for the deportation and ideological re-education of Ukrainian children - over 80 participants have been sanctioned. People who manipulate the cultural heritage of Ukraine in occupied territories are also impacted. The EU is thus sending a clear signal against human rights violations and in favour of criminal responsibility.