The new package includes the naming of 218 entities, the largest single addition since 2022, and showcases the EU’s expanding focus on multiple fronts. From financial institutions to drone production and shadow fleet operations, the measures highlight the EU’s creative and broad-based approach to disrupting Russia’s support for its ongoing conflict.
Despite the comprehensive nature of the package, not all proposed entities were included. Bulgaria resisted the inclusion of Patriarch Kirill, the influential head of the Russian Orthodox Church. Estonia attempted to add Ireland’s Aughinsh alumina plant but was unsuccessful as it is still under investigation. Meanwhile, France decided against sanctioning Russian propagandist Xenia Fedorova, as noted in reports from Le Monde. These omissions illustrate the complex negotiations and compromises inherent in the EU’s sanctions process.
Cultural and sports figures in the crosshairs
Russia’s increasing reliance on sports and cultural platforms to bolster its war narrative has led the EU to respond by targeting key players in these areas. Among those sanctioned is Mikhail Degtyarev, Russia’s sports minister, who the EU describes as 'Putin's soldier.' Another notable figure is Vladimir Medinsky, a top aide to Putin and a central figure in Russian state propaganda. The EU highlights Medinsky’s role in rehabilitating Russian soldiers through sports and constructing sports infrastructure in Ukrainian territories under Russian control. Glenn Micallef, the EU’s commissioner for culture and sports, praised the move as a strong message against Russia’s misuse of cultural and sporting spaces.
Banks and gold: the financial front lines
Financially, the EU has struck deep into Russia’s economic lifelines. Ninety-four Russian banks have been completely barred from EU trade, representing approximately half of the country’s banking sector. The actual economic impact is even greater when considering revenue and transaction volumes. The Moscow stock exchange has also been targeted, with the EU citing its role in facilitating investments into Russian military enterprises and government debt. In addition, the EU has focused on Russia’s gold exports, which contributed $12 billion in 2025, and its diamond trade, which generated $2 billion.
Crypto crackdowns follow the money trail
The EU is also targeting the digital shadows with new sanctions against cryptocurrency networks. Following the lead of the UK, the bloc has added A7, a notorious crypto network, to its sanctioned list. A7 was created in 2024 and is largely controlled by Israeli-Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor, who was a key figure in the 2014 Moldovan bank fraud that siphoned $1 billion from three state banks. Russian state-owned bank Promsvyazbank, which supports the military-industrial complex, is a minority owner of A7 and has also been sanctioned by the UK.
The EU has extended its reach to 14 third-country crypto platforms across the globe that assist Russia in bypassing sanctions. To streamline enforcement and encourage compliance, the EU has agreed to allow for full bans on entire countries if they host multiple crypto platforms undermining sanctions. This approach aims to simplify the process and deter non-compliance by imposing broad restrictions.
Shadow fleets meet 16th-century tactics
In a historically inspired move, the EU has revived tactics reminiscent of 16th-century piracy to counter Russia’s shadow fleet operations. Drawing from the English monarchs’ approach of confiscating assets from captured Spanish treasure ships, the EU now permits its member states to seize assets on shadow fleet vessels they board. The proceeds from these seizures are directed into state coffers, providing a strong financial incentive for compliance and enforcement of sanctions.
The EU's strategy now spans multiple domains, from financial chokepoints to digital networks and shadow fleets, showing a real-time expansion of its sanctions policy. As Russia continues to adapt its evasion methods, the success of these measures will be tested in the coming months, revealing whether the EU’s creative approach can maintain its effectiveness in the long-term challenge of countering Russian aggression.
