EU Agrees 19th Package Of Sanctions Against Russia
- 23.10.2025, 8:13
It includes a ban on natural gas imports and restrictions vs.
European Union countries have finally approved the 19th package of sanctions against aggressor country Russia for the war it is waging against Ukraine. The package includes a previously announced ban on Russian natural gas imports, as well as new travel restrictions on Russian "diplomats" in the EU and new sanctions on 117 ships from Moscow's "shadow fleet."
This was officially announced by Denmark, which holds the EU presidency. The European Commission promises to make a corresponding announcement later. In turn, Reuters, citing diplomatic sources in the EU, adds the sanctions list includes four organizations linked to China's oil industry.
"Thanks to the overwhelming support for today's agreement, we are sending a clear message: Europe refuses to be vulnerable to Russia's energy blackmail. By gradually phasing out Russian gas imports, we strengthen our collective energy security and take a decisive step towards true strategic independence and a clean energy transition," said Danish energy and utilities minister Lars Aagard.
Denmark assures that the written procedure for the European Council to approve the sanctions has already begun, and "if no objections are received, the package will be adopted on October 23 at 8:00 a.m.".
The main point of this package of sanctions - a ban on Russian gas imports - is, as a reminder, adopted with an amendment. Namely, the ban comes into effect a year earlier than the European Commission had proposed. Already existing contracts will be terminated.
Such short-term contracts with Russia will be terminated in six months, and long-term contracts until January 2027.
The new package of sanctions also includes new restrictions on travel of Russian diplomats to EU countries.
An additional 117 tankers are also added to the sanctions list of Russia's "shadow fleet" (so their total number on the list now reaches 558 vessels).
The list will include four organizations linked to China's oil industry, but their names will not be made public anytime soon. Reuters notes that they are two oil refineries, a trading company and an organization that helps circumvent sanctions.