Germany New EU sanctions against Russia in force
The EU states' new sanctions against Russia came into force following the agreement reached on Wednesday evening.
23.10.2025, 09:43
23.10.2025, 16:39
SDA
The package, which was adopted in a written procedure before the start of the EU summit in Brussels, provides, among other things, for a further reduction in Russia's income from the sale of gas and oil, according to the EU Official Journal. To this end, a complete ban on imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia will apply as early as 2027, one year earlier than originally planned.
In addition, further punitive measures in the financial and trade sectors and restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats within the EU will apply.
Slovakia gives up blockade
The agreement was made possible by Slovakia, which lifted a week-long reservation on Wednesday. The Slovakian head of government, Robert Fico, had previously stated that the EU had promised to do more to combat skyrocketing energy prices, as he had demanded.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj, who was also invited to the EU summit, expressed his relief. "This decision on the 19th sanctions package is of enormous importance to us," he said in Brussels. With its ongoing attacks on civilian facilities, Russia was showing that the country had no interest in peace. It was therefore important to continue to exert pressure on Putin.
Regarding the sanctions imposed by the USA, he said: "This is what we have been waiting for. God willing, it will work." For the first time in President Donald Trump's second term in office, the US government imposed new sanctions directly against Russia on Wednesday evening - specifically against major Russian oil companies.
"Good day for Europe"
On behalf of the current Danish EU Council Presidency, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen spoke of a good day for Europe and for Ukraine. "The sanctions are having an effect and are hitting the Russian economy. Russia is finding it increasingly difficult to finance its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine," he explained.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commented: "We will not let up until the people of Ukraine have a just and lasting peace." By targeting Russia's gas sector now, the EU is striking at the heart of its war economy.
Chancellor Merz at consultations in Brussels
In view of the sanctions agreement, the 27 heads of state and government can concentrate on other topics at today's EU autumn summit. The agenda of the summit included talks on further support for Ukraine and proposals from the EU Commission for joint armament projects.
Summit guest Selenskyj hopes that plans to use frozen Russian state assets for his country will be pushed forward. According to the EU Commission, a total of up to 140 billion euros could be mobilized for Ukraine.
Sanctions package had already been on the table for a week
The proposal for the sanctions package was made last month by the EU Commission under the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen. Following attempts to persuade Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to enter into peace talks with Ukraine, US President Trump had once again adopted a much tougher stance towards Russia. He held out the prospect of imposing tough new US sanctions on the EU if it completely renounced Russian energy.
Financial institutions in his sights
In addition to the measures on liquefied natural gas, the new sanctions package will deny further banks from Russia and friendly countries access to the EU capital markets and prohibit transactions with them. There will also be increased action against the use of cryptocurrencies, which are also used to circumvent existing sanctions.
In the area of trade, for example, there are new export bans on goods and services that can be used by the Russian arms industry or strengthen Russian industrial capacities. These include certain chemicals and construction materials or services in the field of artificial intelligence. Trade restrictions also apply to other companies from countries such as China and India that do business with Russia.
In the fight against the so-called Russian shadow fleet to circumvent energy sanctions, 117 additional ships will be listed. In future, they will no longer be allowed to enter the ports of EU member states or be insured, financed or equipped by European companies. This means that more than 550 ships are affected by the sanctions.
The 19th package of sanctions was drawn up in light of new heavy Russian airstrikes on Ukraine and the violation of EU airspace by Russian drones and fighter jets. From Brussels' perspective, the approach shows that Putin is not prepared to respond to Trump's peace efforts. "Russia has shown its contempt for diplomacy and international law in full," von der Leyen said when the sanctions proposals were presented a few weeks ago. The threat to the EU is also increasing.
