23 october 2025 — 13:16
After lengthy negotiations and discussions, EU countries have finally approved the 19th sanctions package against Russia, Trans.ru reports.
As expected, the new package includes a phased phase-out of Russian gas purchases. It also imposes restrictions on cryptocurrency, bans transactions in Russian electronic payment systems, and, as usual, targets a number of third-country companies suspected of helping Russia evade sanctions.
As already noted, the main measure was a complete ban on imports of Russian LNG. However, it will be introduced in stages: short-term contracts will be valid for six months (from April 25, 2026), while long-term contracts will be valid from January 1, 2027.
At the same time, conditions for transporting Russian oil are being further tightened. The 19th sanctions package will add another 117 tankers to the so-called "shadow fleet."
As a reminder, vessels included in the "shadow fleet" are suspected of transporting Russian oil above the established price ceiling. They are prohibited from entering EU ports and from receiving additional services (insurance, etc.).
Furthermore, the EU will tighten the ban on transactions with two major Russian oil companies. Just recently, as a reminder, the US imposed sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil.
The new sanctions will officially take effect on October 24, 2025.