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Ambassadors of EU member states have reached a political agreement on the 21st sanctions package against Russia. Its details were disclosed today, July 23, to the FREEДОМ channel by an EU diplomat, UATV English reports.
“Once the technical work is finalized, the written adoption procedure will be launched this afternoon,” the source said.
The document provides for new restrictions on Russia’s financial sector, cryptocurrencies, shadow fleet vessels, and enterprises linked to Russia’s defense industry.
The package also includes measures restricting the issuance of visas to former Russian combatants and extending the existing price cap on Russian oil for another 12 months. European diplomats believe the price cap will deprive Russia of significant oil revenues amid volatility in energy markets.
During the negotiations, EU countries also agreed to make an exception for certain supplies of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to third countries under contracts signed before February 24, 2022.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that the EU has agreed on the 21st sanctions package against Russia.
According to her, 32 more Russian banks will be added to the list of institutions subject to the ban on financial transactions. Sanctions will also affect cryptocurrency companies and oil trading platforms.
In addition, the EU is locking in the oil price cap mechanism on Russian oil for a year. Sanctions against vessels assisting Russia’s shadow fleet will also be introduced for the first time.
Von der Leyen also stated that “the EU has taken an important step toward an official ban on Russian military personnel entering the EU.”
As a reminder, agreement on the 21st sanctions package against Russia had previously been stalled due to Greece’s position. The country had opposed proposals to restrict European firms from transferring Russian LNG to third countries.
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