Yesterday, on February 24, 2025, marked three years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. To mark the date, the European Union (EU) has adopted its 16th package of sanctions against Russia, increasing the pressure on Russia for the war it is waging. The EU reaffirms its commitment to support Ukraine and to keep up the pressure on Russia until a just and lasting peace is achieved in Ukraine.1
Key elements of the 16th sanctions’ package
Additions to the sanctions’ lists
The targeted financial sanctions’ lists have been supplemented with an additional 83 listings - 48 natural persons and 35 entities, such as those supporting the Russian military complex, active in sanctions circumvention, crypto assets exchanges in Russia and the maritime sector.
In addition, two new criteria have been introduced which will allow the EU to sanction persons and entities that own or operate shadow fleet vessels, as well as those that support or benefit from the Russian military-industrial complex.
List of Russian “shadow fleet” vessels expanded
A further 74 tankers and other vessels considered to be part of Russia's "shadow fleet" are banned from EU ports and services for violating oil price caps, transporting military equipment or grain stolen in Ukraine.
Energy restrictions
Prohibiting temporary storage of Russian crude oil and petroleum products on EU territory, regardless of the purchase price and destination of the oil, which was previously allowed if the products were sold under the oil price caps.
Additional restrictions on the export of goods and technology, in particular software related to oil and gas exploration, to further limit Russia's exploration and production capabilities. In addition, the ban on the supply of goods, technology and services for the completion of crude oil projects in Russia, such as the “Vostok Oil” project, is expanded, similar to the current restrictions on the completion of liquefied natural gas projects.
Ban on imports of aluminium
In addition to the existing ban on imports of processed aluminium goods from Russia, the 16th sanctions package also imposes a ban on EU imports of primary aluminium from Russia. In order to ensure a smooth transition for companies, a quota mechanism for aluminium imports is introduced.
Export and transit bans on dual-use goods and technology
Export to and transit through Russia of a number of items used by Russia on the battlefield are banned. Examples include software related to Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines used in weapons production, video-game controllers used by the Russian army to pilot drones on the battlefield, and certain chemical compounds.
Restrictions on banks
For the first time, the EU bans transactions with foreign banks that are using the Russian Financial Messaging System, or “SPFS”. “SPFS” is a specialised financial messaging service developed by the Central Bank of Russia to counter the impact of the restrictive measures. In addition, the list of Russian banks banned from providing the specialised financial messaging service (SWIFT) includes a further 13 Russian regional banks considered important for the Russian financial and banking systems.
Transport restrictions
Criteria have been extended to allow sanctions to be imposed also on third-country carriers operating domestic flights in Russia or supplying aviation goods to Russian airlines or for domestic flights in Russia. If these airlines are included on the list, they will not be allowed to fly to the EU.
In addition, the EU has reinforced the existing ban on the carriage of cargo within the EU, including in transit, by road transport companies 25% or more owned by Russian natural or legal persons. The new rule prohibits any change in the capital structure of these companies that would increase the share of Russian ownership above 25%.
Prohibitions on infrastructure
The EU has banned all transactions with certain Russian ports, sea ports and airports.
A new ban for EU operators to provide construction services in Russia.
Restrictions in the occupied territories of Ukraine
Prohibition on the provision of services in the occupied territories (Crimea, Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, Zaporizhia), including construction, consultancy, IT and legal services. The sanctions regime for these territories has been extended until 2026.
Reinforcement of the Belarus sanctions regime
The sanctions package includes additional restrictive measures against Belarus, in line with the trade sanctions imposed on Russia. In addition, restrictions are introduced on the sale or provision of services and software, deposits, crypto-asset wallets and transport.
This package of sanctions is part of the EU's long-term strategy to weaken Russia's economic and military capabilities and to prevent sanctions circumvention through third countries. The EU continues to work closely with international partners to ensure the effective implementation of sanctions and to support Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
For more information see the publication in the Official Journal of the EU: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/oj/daily-view/L-series/default.html?&ojDate=24022025
1https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_585
.png)
