EU sanctions against Russia: questions and answers
Find out all the answers to your questions on sanctions adopted by the European Union in response to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
Which sanctions has the EU adopted so far?
Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the EU has imposed massive and unprecedented sanctions against Russia.
These measures come on top of the sanctions already imposed on Russia since 2014 following the annexation of Crimea and the lack of implementation of the Minsk agreements.
They include economic sanctions, individual sanctions, diplomatic measures and visa measures.
The measures are designed to achieve the EU policy objective of ending Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, through maximising pressure on Russia and using all tools available to diminish Russia's ability to wage its illegal war of aggression.
EU sanctions are carefully targeted, designed to be proportionate, and temporary in nature. This means that they are regularly reviewed, and that the EU can calibrate, ease or end them if the EU's objectives, or meaningful steps towards such objectives, are achieved.
The EU has also adopted sanctions against Belarus, Iran and North Korea in response to their support for Russia in the military aggression against Ukraine.
Additionally, the EU has imposed sanctions against individuals and entities in view of Russia's hybrid threats and of the continuing deterioration of the human rights situation in the country, and in particular over the death of Alexei Navalny.
Who is being sanctioned?
EU restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine apply to over 2 900 individuals and entities. The list of sanctioned individuals includes:
- Russian President Vladimir Putin
- Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov
- former President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych
- Roman Abramovich
- members of the Russian State Duma (the lower house of parliament)
- members of the National Security Council
- members of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation
- ministers, governors and local politicians, such as the mayor of Moscow
- high-ranking officials and military personnel
- commanders of the Wagner group
- prominent businesspeople and oligarchs
- pro-Kremlin and anti-Ukrainian propagandists
The list also includes individuals responsible for or involved in the:
- so-called 'referenda' in 2022 and 'elections' in 2023 in Ukraine's territories
- atrocities committed in Bucha and Mariupol
- missile strikes against civilians and critical infrastructure
- deportation and forced adoption of Ukrainian children
- military re-education of Ukrainian children
- recruitment of Syrian mercenaries to fight in Ukraine
- manufacture and supply of drones
- circumvention of sanctions
- operation of Russia's shadow fleet
- looting of Ukraine's cultural heritage
Individuals from Iran, Belarus and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea are also included in the list.
The list of entities includes:
- political parties
- armed forces and paramilitary groups, including the Wagner group
- banks and financial institutions
- media organisations responsible for propaganda and disinformation
- companies in the defence sector and involved in drone manufacturing
- companies in the transport and energy sector
- companies in the aviation, shipbuilding and machine building sectors
- companies in the IT, telecoms and insurance sectors
- companies involved in the circumvention of sanctions
- companies linked to Russia's shadow fleet
- PJSC Alrosa, the largest diamond-mining company in the world
- the 'All-Russia People's Front' movement
- organisations responsible for the forced assimilation of Ukrainian children
Companies from third countries are also subject to sanctions in view of their support for Russia's war.
Sanctions on individuals consist of travel bans and asset freezes. Sanctions on entities consist of asset freezes.
Travel bans prevent listed individuals from entering or transiting through EU territory by land, air or sea. Asset freezes mean that all accounts belonging to the listed persons and entities in EU banks are frozen. It is also prohibited to make any funds or assets directly or indirectly available to them.
How is EU trade with Russia being restricted?
As part of the economic sanctions, the EU has imposed a number of import and export restrictions on Russia. This means that European entities cannot sell certain products to Russia (due to export restrictions) and that Russian entities are not allowed to sell certain products to the EU (due to import restrictions).
The list of banned products is designed to maximise the negative impact of the sanctions on the Russian economy while limiting the consequences for EU businesses and citizens. The export and import restrictions exclude products primarily intended for consumption and products related to health, pharmaceuticals, food and agriculture, in order not to harm the Russian population.
According to the European Commission, since February 2022, the EU has banned over €48 billion in goods and technologies that would have been exported to Russia and €91.2 billion in goods that would have been imported from Russia. This means that in comparison with 2021 export and import volumes, 54% of exports and 58% of imports are currently embargoed.
The bans are implemented by the EU's customs authorities.
The EU, in collaboration with other like-minded partners, has adopted a statement reserving the right to stop treating Russia as a most-favoured-nation within the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework. The EU has decided to act on this not by increasing import tariffs, but by establishing a set of restrictive measures that include bans on the import or export of certain goods. The EU and its partners have also suspended all work related to the accession of Belarus to the WTO.
Since December 2023, there is a ban on Russian diamonds as part of a G7 effort to develop an internationally coordinated diamond ban that aims to deprive Russia of this important source of revenue.
Moreover, the Council has introduced a list of entities directly supporting Russia's military and industrial complex. Entities in this list are subject to tighter export restrictions concerning dual use goods and technologies.
Which goods cannot be exported to Russia from the EU?
The list of embargoed products includes:
- cutting-edge technology (e.g. quantum computers and advanced semiconductors, electronic components and software)
- specific goods and technology needed in oil refining
- energy industry equipment, technology and services
- aviation and space industry goods and technology (e.g. aircraft, aircraft engines, spare parts and all kinds of equipment for planes and helicopters, and jet fuel)
- maritime navigation goods and radio communication technology
- a number of dual-use goods (goods that could be used for both civil and military purposes), such as drones' engines and software for drones or encryption devices
- luxury goods (e.g. luxury cars, watches and jewellery)
- arms and related materiel of all types, including civilian firearms and their parts
- chemicals, generators and thermostats
- IT, electronic and optical components
- cameras, lenses, toy drones, laptops and hard drives
- other goods which could enhance Russia's industrial capacities
Which goods cannot be imported from Russia to the EU?
The list of embargoed products includes:
- crude oil and refined petroleum products
- liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
- coal and other solid fossil fuels
- steel, iron, pig iron, aluminium and other metals
- copper and aluminium wire, tubes and foil
- cement, bitumen and asphalt
- wood, paper, synthetic rubber and plastics
- helium and other chemicals
- seafood, spirits, cigarettes and cosmetics
- diamonds and gold, including jewellery
- other goods contributing to the enhancement of Russia's capabilities
Regarding diamonds, the prohibition applies to:
- diamonds originating in Russia
- diamonds exported from Russia
- diamonds transiting Russia
- Russian diamonds processed in non-EU countries
What does the oil ban mean in practice?
In June 2022 the Council adopted a sixth package of sanctions which, among other things, prohibits the purchase, import and transfer of seaborne crude oil and certain petroleum products from Russia to the EU. The restrictions apply from 5 December 2022 for crude oil and from 5 February 2023 for other refined petroleum products.
There is a temporary exemption for imports of crude oil by pipeline into those EU member states that, owing to their geographical situation, suffer from a specific dependence on Russian supplies and have no viable alternative options. The pipeline exemption stopped applying for Poland and Germany on 23 June 2023 and for Czechia on 1 July 2025.
Moreover, Croatia benefits from a temporary derogation concerning the import of Russian vacuum gas oil.
The impact of the oil ban is significant, considering that around half of Russia's total oil exports go to the EU.
The ban covers 90% of EU oil imports from Russia. Losing this leading lucrative market has a significant structural impact on Russia, whose budget relies substantially on this oil revenue.
How does the oil price cap work?
The EU has introduced an exemption to the prohibition on the transport by sea to third countries of Russian oil and petroleum products and to the prohibition on providing related services, when such goods are purchased at or below the price cap.
The price caps apply to seaborne crude oil, petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals which originate in or are exported from Russia. The current price caps are set at:
- $47.6 per barrel for crude oil
- $45 per barrel for discounted petroleum products
- $100 per barrel for premium petroleum products
The EU established the level of the caps in close cooperation with the Price Cap Coalition. The caps apply from 5 December 2022 for crude oil and from 5 February 2023 for petroleum products. While the initial value of the price cap for crude oil was $60 per barrel, in July 2025 the EU decided to lower it to $47.6 per barrel.
The current values may be amended in the future to reflect market developments and technical changes.
This decision limits price surges driven by extraordinary market conditions and drastically reduces the revenue Russia has been generating from oil since it unleashed its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. It also serves to stabilise global energy prices while mitigating adverse consequences on energy supply to other countries.
Since the EU introduced the oil price cap and other energy-related sanctions, Russia's oil and gas revenues have fallen by almost 80% compared to before the war.
Following the adoption of the 21st package of sanctions on 23 July 2026, the automatic adjustment of the oil price cap mechanism is paused until 15 July 2027. This is to ensure that Russia's profits from oil sales remain contained, despite the exceptional market situation caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. An interim review of the suspension is foreseen, to ensure that the mechanism remains necessary and proportionate.
Which EU services to Russia are banned?
To hit Russia's economy, which is highly dependent on the import of services from European companies, the EU has prohibited the provision of certain business-relevant services to the government of Russia or to any legal persons, such as companies and other entities or bodies, established in Russia.
The ban concerns the following services to Russia or Russian persons:
- crypto asset wallets, accounts or custody
- accounting, auditing, bookkeeping and tax consulting
- construction, architectural and engineering services
- cybersecurity, IT consultancy and legal advice
- advertising, market research and public opinion polling
- technical assistance, brokering and financial assistance (in relation to the maritime transport of Russian oil)
- intellectual property rights and trade secrets (related to goods and technology covered by other sanctions)
- software for the management of enterprises
- software for industrial design and manufacture
- software for certain uses in the banking and financial sector
- maintenance for Russian LNG tankers and ice-breakers
In addition, since October 2025, a prior authorisation for all services provided to the Russian government is mandatory.
According to the European Commission, the total value of export restrictions on business services is €3.28 billion (16% of EU’s exports to Russia prior to the invasion).
What are the sanctions on transport?
Road transport
The EU has prohibited Russian and Belarusian road transport operators, trailers and semi-trailers from transporting goods into the EU, including in transit.
This prohibition aims to restrict the capacity of Russian industry to acquire key goods and to disrupt road trade both to and from Russia. However, EU countries can grant derogations for:
- the transport of energy, pharmaceutical, medical, agricultural and food products
- humanitarian aid purposes
- transport related to the functioning of diplomatic and consular representations of the EU and its member states in Russia, or of international organisations in Russia which enjoy immunities in accordance with international law
- the transfer or export to Russia of cultural goods on loan in the context of formal cultural cooperation with Russia
- cars that have a diplomatic vehicle registration plate to enter the EU or are used for humanitarian purposes
- cars belonging to EU citizens who are resident in Russia and are travelling into the EU
The ban does not affect mail services and goods in transit between Kaliningrad oblast and Russia.
Aviation sector
The EU has banned Russian carriers of all kinds from accessing EU airports and from overflying EU airspace. This means that aeroplanes registered in Russia or elsewhere and leased or rented to a Russian citizen or entity cannot land at any EU airports and cannot fly over EU countries. Private aircraft, e.g. private business jets, are included in the ban.
In addition, the EU banned the export to Russia of goods and technology from the aviation and space industries. This means that Russian airlines cannot buy any aircraft, spare parts or equipment for their fleet, and cannot perform the necessary repairs or technical inspections.
Insurance services, maintenance services and technical assistance related to these goods and technology are also prohibited.
As three-quarters of Russia's current commercial air fleet was produced in the EU, the US or Canada, over time the ban is likely to result in the grounding of a significant proportion of the Russian civil aviation fleet, even for domestic flights.
Maritime transport
The EU has closed its ports to Russia's entire merchant fleet of over 2 800 vessels. However, the measure does not affect vessels carrying energy, pharmaceutical, medical, agricultural and food products, humanitarian aid, coal, nuclear fuel and other goods necessary for the functioning of civil nuclear capabilities.
The measure also does not affect vessels in need of assistance seeking a place of refuge, or vessels making an emergency port call for reasons of maritime safety or to save lives at sea.
The ban also applies to vessels:
- trying to evade sanctions by changing their Russian flag or registration to that of another state
- Russia's shadow fleet
- responsible for transporting military equipment for Russia or stolen Ukrainian grain
- engaged in ship-to-ship transfers and suspected of breaching sanctions
- suspected of illegally interfering with or disabling their shipborne automatic identification system when transporting Russian oil
Port authorities can identify an attempt to reflag or change registration by checking a vessel's IMO number (the unique identification number assigned on behalf of the International Maritime Organization).
The EU has prohibited the maritime transport of Russian crude oil (from 5 December 2022) and petroleum products (from 5 February 2023) to non-EU countries. It has also prohibited the provision of related technical assistance, brokering services and financial assistance.
This ban does not apply if the crude oil or petroleum products are purchased at or below the oil price cap.
Are transactions with Russian banks banned?
A full ban on transactions with the Russian Central Bank, the Russian Regional Development Bank and the Central Bank of Belarus has been in place since the start of Russia's war against Ukraine.
Between 2022 and 2025, the EU also imposed a SWIFT ban on several other Russian and Belarusian banks. SWIFT is a messaging service that substantially facilitates information exchange between banks and other financial institutions. As a result of the ban, the affected banks cannot obtain foreign currency or transfer assets abroad.
In July 2025, the EU decided to extend the existing SWIFT ban to a full transaction ban. This means that no EU operator may engage in any transaction with the listed banks directly or indirectly. The EU subsequently expanded the transaction ban to third-country financial operators, including crypto-asset providers who help circumvent sanctions, support Russia's war, or are connected to Russia's financial messaging service.
This ban currently applies to over 100 Russian banks, four Belarusian banks and nine banks/financial operators from other non-EU countries.
System for Transfer of Financial Messages
Since June 2024, the EU has outlawed the use of the 'System for Transfer of Financial Messages' (SPFS), a specialised financial messaging service developed by the Central Bank of Russia to neutralise the effect of the existing EU sanctions.
This means that EU entities operating outside of Russia are forbidden from connecting to the SPFS or equivalent specialised financial messaging services. Moreover, the EU has established a ban on credit or financial institutions established outside Russia that use SPFS.
How are immobilised Russian assets used?
In February 2022, as part of its third package of sanctions against Russia, the European Union prohibited all transactions related to the management of reserves and assets of the Central Bank of Russia.
As a result, the assets and reserves of the Central Bank of Russia that are held by central banks and financial institutions in the EU have been immobilised.
On 21 May 2024, the Council adapted the legal framework to ensure that the extraordinary revenues generated by the immobilisation of the assets of the Central Bank of Russia can be used to support Ukraine and its recovery and reconstruction, as well as its self-defence against the Russian aggression.
Due to the immobilisation of assets and reserves of the Central Bank of Russia, extraordinary cash balances accumulate on the balance sheets of central securities depositories (CSDs), resulting in extraordinary revenues. These revenues do not have to be made available to the Central Bank of Russia under applicable rules, even after the immobilisation is discontinued.
The EU rules provide that only CSDs that hold reserves and assets of the Central Bank of Russia with a total value of more than €1 million are subject to the obligation to set aside the amounts.
On 26 July 2024, the EU received the first payment of €1.5 billion, which was allocated to supplying military support to the Ukrainian armed forces via the European Peace Facility (90%), and to the Ukraine Facility (10%). The second payment of €2.1 billion was made available in April 2025.
EU rules adopted on 25 October 2024 provide that 95% of the extraordinary revenues stemming from the immobilisation of the assets of the Central Bank of Russia will be allocated to the EU budget and channelled through the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism, an instrument created by the EU to help Ukraine repay EU-G7 loans of around €45 billion. The remaining 5% will be allocated to the European Peace Facility.
On 12 December 2025, the Council decided to prohibit, on a temporary basis, any transfers of Central Bank of Russia assets immobilised in the EU back to Russia.
Why has the EU banned some media?
The Russian Federation has engaged in a systematic, international campaign of disinformation, information manipulation and distortion of facts in order to enhance its strategy of destabilising both its neighbouring countries and the EU and its member states.
To counteract this, the EU has suspended the broadcasting activities and licences of 27 Kremlin-backed disinformation outlets:
- EADaily / Eurasia Daily
- Fondsk
- Izvestia
- Katehon
- Krasnaya Zvezda / Tvzvezda
- Lenta
- New Eastern Outlook
- NewsFront
- NTV/NTV Mir
- Oriental Review
- Pervyi Kanal
- REN TV
- RIA Novosti
- RuBaltic
- Russia Today and its subsidiaries
- Rossiya RTR / RTR Planeta
- Rossiya 24 / Russia 24
- Rossiya 1
- Rossiyskaya Gazeta
- SouthFront
- Spas TV Channel
- Sputnik and its subsidiaries
- Strategic Culture Foundation
- Tsargrad TV Channel
- TV Centre International
- Voice of Europe
Russia uses all of these outlets to intentionally spread propaganda and conduct disinformation campaigns, including about its military aggression against Ukraine.
The ban covers all means of transmission and distribution in or directed at EU member states, including cable, satellite, Internet Protocol TV, platforms, websites and apps.
In line with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, these measures will not prevent those media outlets and their staff from carrying out activities in the EU that do not involve broadcasting, e.g. research and interviews.
The EU has also imposed sanctions on media organisations and individuals responsible for propaganda and disinformation.
What is the EU doing to address the circumvention of sanctions?
Faced with the scale of the EU's sanctions, Russian targets have deployed various techniques to circumvent them, such as using complex financial schemes, falsifying the nature or origin of the goods traded or relying on the jurisdictions of non-EU countries.
The EU has taken several measures to counter circumvention, including:
- sanctions against individuals and entities involved in circumvention
- a ban on access to EU ports and restrictions on the provision of a wide range of maritime services for non-EU vessels suspected of breaching EU sanctions, including circumvention of the oil price cap (Russia's shadow fleet)
- export restrictions on dual-use and advanced technology items for hundreds of entities, including many located outside Russia and directly supporting Russia's war
- a transit ban on dual-use goods, technologies and battlefield goods being exported from the EU to non-EU countries via Russian territory
- a requirement for EU parent companies to ensure that their non-EU subsidiaries do not take part in any activities resulting in an outcome that the sanctions seek to prevent
- a requirement for EU operators to implement due diligence mechanisms for selling battlefield goods to non-EU countries
- extension of the transaction ban to non-EU operators based outside Russia who facilitate the circumvention of oil-related restrictions
To limit circumvention of the prohibition on the provision of crypto-asset wallet, account or custody services to Russian persons and residents, the EU introduced a ban on Russian nationals or natural persons residing in Russia from owning or controlling the legal persons, entities or bodies providing such services, or holding any posts on their governing bodies. The EU has also adopted sanctions targeting crypto providers.
In addition, notifications are now required for transfers of funds exceeding €100 000 outside the EU by any entity established in the EU that is owned or controlled by Russia.
In December 2022, the European Commission appointed David O'Sullivan as special envoy for the implementation of EU sanctions. The special envoy's task is to ensure continuous, high-level outreach and discussions with non-EU countries in order to avoid the evasion or circumvention of sanctions against Russia and to ensure that sensitive battlefield goods of European origin do not find their way to Russia.
What is the no-Russia clause?
The no-Russia clause is a contractual requirement forcing EU exporters of sensitive goods (such as advanced technology, aviation parts, weapons and dual-use items) to prohibit their buyers in third countries from re-exporting those goods to Russia or for use in Russia.
Introduced as part of the anti-circumvention measures, the no-Russia clause requires sellers to include clauses with penalties for breaches and monitoring mechanisms, with the aim of preventing certain items that fuel Russia's war from reaching Russia indirectly.
How is the EU countering Russia’s shadow fleet?
Russia's shadow fleet is a large, clandestine network of ageing tankers transporting Russian crude oil or products made from Russian crude oil in circumvention of sanctions and the oil price cap. Their activity enables Russia to continue earning critical revenue for its war economy.
These vessels employ evasive tactics such as switching off tracking systems, using 'false' flags and other complex ownership structures in order to hide their identity, origin, and cargo. Apart from circumventing the oil price cap, Russia's shadow fleet can also transport other items, such as sanctioned military equipment or stolen Ukrainian grain.
The Council first adopted measures to address the circumvention risks posed by Putin's shadow fleet in the 11th and 12th sanctions packages.
In its 14th package of sanctions, adopted in June 2024, the EU imposed a ban on access to EU ports and on the provision of services related to maritime transport to vessels which are part of Russia’s shadow fleet. As of 23 October 2025, the EU has placed over 630 vessels on this list.
In addition, the EU has introduced a ban on transactions with Russian ports, locks and airports used for the circumvention of the oil price cap and of other EU sanctions, and imposed sanctions (asset freezes and travel bans) on entities and individuals responsible for or involved in the operation of Russia's shadow fleet.
The special envoy for the implementation of EU sanctions, appointed in December 2022, conducts outreach with third-country flag states, urging them to enforce sanctions and prevent listed tankers from sailing under their flags as a means of circumventing EU sanctions.
The shadow fleet poses serious risks including potential environmental damage as well as risks to maritime safety and security, the integrity of international seaborne trade, critical undersea infrastructure and respect for international maritime rules and standards. The Council adopted a declaration in this regard in December 2025.
Do EU sanctions affect global trade in food and agricultural products?
No, EU sanctions against Russia have never targeted international trade in food and agricultural products. They do not target or restrict exports of agricultural or food products between Russia and the rest of the world, and only cover bilateral trade between the EU and Russia.
Russia bears the sole responsibility for the disruptions in global food security. Before Russia's aggression, 90% of Ukraine's agricultural exports to the world went through Ukraine's Black Sea ports. When it launched its war, Russia instituted a blockade on Ukraine's exports.
Food security and affordability are a key priority for the EU and its member states. The EU has consistently supported efforts towards enhancing global food security, for instance through the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes and the UN Black Sea Grain Initiative.
In July 2023, Russia decided unilaterally to discontinue the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative that had been established in July 2022.
Is the EU coordinating its sanctions with other partners?
Sanctions are more effective if a broad range of international partners are involved. The EU has worked closely over the last few years with like-minded partners in order to coordinate sanctions.
The EU is working with the World Bank Group, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and other international partners to prevent Russia from obtaining financing from such institutions.
To coordinate this international effort, the Russian elites, proxies and oligarchs task force allows the EU to cooperate with the G7 countries – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States – as well as with Australia, to ensure sanctions are implemented.
Although the EU works closely with many partners, each of these non-EU countries decides unilaterally which sanctions it will impose.
Do EU sanctions fall under international law?
Yes. All EU sanctions are fully compliant with obligations under international law, whilst respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Once political agreement is reached among EU member states, the necessary legal acts are prepared by the European External Action Service and/or the European Commission and submitted to the Council for adoption.
Council regulations and decisions, as legal acts of general application, are binding on any person or entity under EU jurisdiction. This means any person or entity within the EU, any EU national in any location, and all companies and organisations incorporated under the law of an EU member state.
See also
Russia's war against Ukraine: EU sanctions
Human rights abuses in Russia: EU sanctions
Russia's hybrid activities: EU sanctions
- Sanctions adopted following Russia's military aggression against Ukraine (European Commission)
- EU restrictive measures in view of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine (EU official journal)
- EU sanctions against Belarus
- EU sanctions against Iran
- EU sanctions against North Korea
- Why the EU adopts sanctions
- EU solidarity with Ukraine
Last review: 23 July 2026