The European Union’s upcoming 19th package of sanctions against Russia will include measures targeting four Chinese companies accused of helping Moscow circumvent Western restrictions in the oil sector, EU diplomatic sources told Reuters on October 22.
According to the sources, the list includes two Chinese oil refineries, a trading company, and another entity allegedly involved in sanction-busting activities. While EU member states have agreed on the package’s text, its formal adoption has been delayed due to unrelated reservations from Slovakia, as sanctions require unanimous approval.
The new measures will also impose a ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas starting January 1, 2027. In addition, the EU plans to blacklist 118 tankers believed to belong to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” and prohibit transactions with major Russian oil producers Rosneft and Gazprom Neft.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas earlier indicated that the package would be finalised by the end of the week. She said it is expected to feature restrictions on the Mir payment system, a reduction of the Russian oil price cap, and a full ban on transactions with Russian oil companies.
Since February 2022, the EU has introduced a series of sanctions packages against Russia, seeking to tighten economic and political pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.
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