European Union Imposes Tough Sanctions on Russia, Kallas: We Are Pressuring It to End the War

The Council of the European Union has approved its 21st package of sanctions against Russia, making it tougher than all previous packages.

The sanctions list includes 218 individuals and entities: 48 individuals and 170 companies and institutions. This is the largest number of sanctions imposed by the EU in the past four years.

In the financial sector, the assets of 94 major Russian banks and financial institutions have been frozen. Transactions with another 33 institutions and several banks in third countries suspected of helping Russia circumvent sanctions have also been banned.

The EU has imposed measures on 14 international platforms and, for the first time, has provided for a complete ban on transactions with foreign providers used to circumvent sanctions.

The Council of the European Union’s sanctions also affect the energy sector, where the price cap on Russian oil has been suspended until July 2027 due to volatility in international markets.

In a statement, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaia Kallas said the sanctions were intended to pressure Russia to end the war.

“Our sanctions are increasing the pressure to force Russia to end its illegal war and stop killing civilians,” Kallas said.