European Union envoys have reached an agreement on a new wave of sanctions against Russia, EU diplomats confirmed on Wednesday.
This 16th sanctions package introduces a phased ban on primary aluminium imports, restrictions on gaming console sales, and the blacklisting of 73 additional shadow fleet vessels.
The measures, closely aligned with the European Commission’s initial proposal, are expected to receive formal approval from EU foreign ministers on Monday. “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,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on social media platform X.
The aluminium import ban will take effect a year after the package’s official adoption. Additionally, 48 individuals and 35 entities will be added to the EU’s sanctions list, subjecting them to asset freezes and travel bans, according to diplomats.
This latest move comes as the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s administration signaled a shift in its approach by agreeing to further discussions with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine—talks that notably excluded Kyiv.
In its ongoing efforts to curtail Russian oil exports, the EU has also approved sanctions targeting ports and airports that facilitate evasion of the Group of Seven price cap on Russian oil. The new vessel listings bring the total number of sanctioned ships, mainly oil tankers, to 152.
The sanctions package also broadens the EU’s authority to penalize owners, operators, and captains of the shadow fleet, along with those supporting the Russian military. In addition, exports of video game consoles, joysticks, and flight simulators will be restricted, as these items could potentially aid Russia’s drone operations, one diplomat noted.
Other measures include bans on the export of chromium, certain chemicals, and services related to oil and gas refining.
