European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the 21st sanctions package against Russia on 10 June 2026, focusing on energy revenues, financial and crypto services, trade restrictions including fisheries, and a ban on entry for former Russian combatants. The package aims to maintain pressure on Russia's war economy amid easing global energy supply disruptions.
energy, financial services and crypto, trade – including fisheries for the first time – and a ban on entry into the EU for anyone who has served in the Russian Armed Forces since the start of the war. Von der Leyen argued that Russia's war effort is failing, citing declining living standards, inflation near 6%, interest rates at 14.5%, and a 40% drop in energy revenues in early 2026.
Energy measures On energy, the package proposes pausing the adjustment mechanism of the oil price cap until January 2027 to stabilise markets after the Strait of Hormuz disruption. It also lists 30 additional shadow fleet vessels (bringing the total to 662), targets vessels providing bunkering and other support services, and restricts the sale of LNG tankers to Russia. Critical infrastructure such as ports, airports, and refineries trading or processing Russian oil would also be targeted.
Financial and crypto restrictions Financial measures expand transaction bans to 31 more Russian banks and 20 banks, crypto firms, platforms, and oil traders in third countries that have serviced sanctioned entities or circumvented measures. For the first time, the EU would introduce the possibility of a full third-country ban for crypto-asset services, acting as a deterrent for countries hosting evasion platforms.
Trade and fisheries New export restrictions target metals and alloys used in aerospace and defence, as well as drone-related equipment such as ground support, jamming, and launch systems. Import bans worth EUR 60 million cover certain metals, metal ores, and car parts. For the first time, substantial restrictions on fish imports are proposed, including a complete ban on cod. Trade restrictions for Belarus will be aligned to prevent backdoor evasion.
Entry ban for former combatants A key novelty is the proposal to ban entry into the EU for anyone who has served in the Russian Armed Forces since the beginning of the war. Von der Leyen stated: "Europe stays off limits for anyone who has participated in the invasion of Ukraine."
Parallel financial support to Ukraine Von der Leyen noted that on 9 June 2026, the EU delivered almost EUR 3 billion from the Ukraine Facility. Later in June, the first disbursement under the EUR 90 billion loan to Ukraine will be issued, providing EUR 6 billion for drones and over EUR 3 billion in macro-financial assistance. She also announced that the Commission will open the first cluster of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova in the coming days.
Stakeholder impact The package imposes significant compliance costs on EU importers, particularly in fisheries and metals, and on financial institutions dealing with crypto and third-country transactions. Russian energy revenues face further constraints, while EU consumers may see limited price effects from the oil price cap pause. Ukrainian authorities benefit from sustained financial and military support. The entry ban affects Russian veterans and could deter future service members.
Next steps The proposal requires approval by the Council of the European Union. Once adopted, the measures will enter into force upon publication in the Official Journal.
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