EU Readies 19th Sanctions Package, Targeting Russia's "Shadow Fleet"

The European Union is actively preparing its 19th package of sanctions against Russia, which aims to further limit the Kremlin's ability to finance its war in Ukraine. The new measures were announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on September 10, 2025, during her "State of the Union" address, and a formal proposal was expected to be submitted by September 12, 2025.

With the new package of sanctions, European countries will try to close the loopholes that remained after the launch of the previous packages, with the aim of reducing Russia's main sources of income as much as possible.

The focus is on the energy sector and the "shadow fleet." Harsh measures are planned against Russia's "shadow fleet." This network of ships with unclear ownership is used to circumvent the oil price cap set by the G7, allowing Russia to sell its oil at higher prices. The sanctions will target these ships, as well as oil traders operating in third countries, and may possibly prohibit the reinsurance of listed tankers.

The EU is placing great emphasis on preventing the circumvention of sanctions through third countries. It is reported that the EU is for the first time considering the application of sanctions against Kazakhstan to block the supply of materials used in the production of Russian weapons. In addition, restrictions may be imposed on foreign suppliers, including companies in China, that supply goods to Moscow's military industry. Recently, an interesting message on this topic came from Kyiv. They announced that more than 30 percent of the components of the missile that hit the Ukrainian government building were of American origin. So, the geography of organizations subject to sanctions may grow in the future.

The package is expected to include new restrictions aimed at Russian banks, payment and credit card systems, and cryptocurrency exchanges that help Moscow evade financial sanctions.

Further export bans are being considered for goods, chemical substances, and technologies used by Russia's military-industrial complex.

It is expected that the EU will significantly expand its list of individual sanctions. Information is circulating that the number of Russian representatives under restrictions will increase by about 2,000.

Incidentally, the new package of sanctions is being coordinated with international partners, particularly the United States, in order to maximize pressure on Russia. The essential thing is that this is happening in parallel with promises to increase military and financial support for Ukraine, including a proposal to provide a "War Bond Loan" for Kyiv, which will be financed by the profits from frozen Russian assets. Kyiv, by the way, has already received certain parts of it.