By Kevin Akor
BRUSSELS — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a landmark 20th package of sanctions against Russia on Friday, aimed at crippling the Kremlin’s ability to fund its ongoing invasion of Ukraine through energy exports and alternative financial channels.
The proposal comes as the conflict nears its 1,500th day, with von der Leyen describing Russia’s recent tactics as a “war of attrition against a civilian innocent population.”
“This is not the conduct of a state seeking peace,” von der Leyen said in a statement from Brussels. “Russia will only come to the table with genuine intent if it is pressured to do so. This is the only language Russia understands.”
Targeting the ‘Shadow Fleet’
A centerpiece of the new measures is a total maritime services ban for Russian crude oil. The Commission aims to enact this ban in coordination with G7 partners to disrupt the global shipping networks that allow Russia to bypass existing price caps.
The proposal adds 43 more vessels to the EU’s sanctions list, bringing the total number of blacklisted “shadow fleet” tankers to 640. Furthermore, the package introduces sweeping bans on maintenance and services for liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers and icebreakers, specifically designed to stall Russia’s future gas export projects.
Financial and Trade Restrictions
The 20th package also seeks to exploit what von der Leyen called Russia’s “weak point”: its banking system. The measures include:
Banking: Listing 20 additional Russian regional banks and targeting banks in third countries that facilitate illegal trade.
Crypto: New restrictions on cryptocurrency platforms and companies to prevent the evasion of financial blocks.
Export Bans: Prohibiting the sale of goods worth more than €360 million, including rubber, tractors, and cybersecurity services.
Anti-Circumvention: For the first time, the EU plans to activate an anti-circumvention tool to stop the export of sensitive technology—such as computer numerical control machines—to countries where there is a high risk of re-export to Russia.
Economic Impact
According to EU data, the previous waves of sanctions are significantly impacting Moscow’s bottom line. Russia’s fiscal revenues from oil and gas reportedly dropped by 24% in 2025, reaching their lowest levels since 2020.
“This confirms what we already knew; our sanctions work,” von der Leyen said. “We will continue to use them until Russia engages in serious negotiations with Ukraine for a just and lasting peace.”
A Path to Recovery
The announcement follows the European Council’s recent adoption of a €90 billion loan for Ukraine. Beyond immediate defense, von der Leyen noted that the EU is working with the United States on a “Prosperity Framework” for Ukraine’s post-war recovery.
“Our commitment to a free and sovereign Ukraine is unwavering,” she said. “And if anything, it grows stronger day by day, month by month, year by year.”
The proposal now moves to EU Member States for swift endorsement, which von der Leyen hopes to secure before the war’s fourth anniversary later this month.
