EU adopts 19th sanctions package against Russia targeting gas imports and shadow fleet
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Oct. 7, 2025. (Photo: Ritzau Scanpix/Thomas Traasdahl via REUTERS)
The European Union has formally approved a new package of
sanctions against Russia’s energy infrastructure, banning imports of Russian
liquefied natural gas starting in 2027, Bloomberg
reported.
Denmark, which currently holds the EU presidency, announced
that the bloc will strengthen restrictions on transactions with two major
Russian oil companies. The package also targets 117 additional vessels in Russia’s
so-called shadow fleet, which has helped Moscow circumvent previous
restrictions.
“Today is a good day for Europe and Ukraine,” Danish Foreign
Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said, according to the Associated
Press.
The 19th sanctions package was adopted after opposition from
Austria, Hungary and Slovakia, one day after the United States tightened its
own measures, Bloomberg noted.
On Oct. 22, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced
sanctions against Russia’s two largest oil producers — Rosneft and Lukoil — and
nearly 30 of their subsidiaries in response to Moscow’s refusal to agree to a
ceasefire in Ukraine.
The European Commission had given preliminary approval to
the 19th sanctions package on Sept. 19.
On Oct. 8, media reported that Austria was blocking the
package, demanding concessions to unlock €2 billion belonging to Raiffeisen
Bank in Russia. Vienna later said it would agree to the adoption of the
measures.
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