Last week, the European Union announced its 20th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation. Presenting the package, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen took an exceptionally tough stance, stating that “Russia understands only the language of force.”

According to von der Leyen, the new sanctions package logically continues the previous nineteen and focuses on three key areas: energy, financial services, and trade.

Energy Sector Measures

Within the energy component, the EU proposes a complete ban on maritime transportation of Russian crude oil. As emphasized by von der Leyen, this step is intended to further reduce Moscow’s revenues from energy exports and significantly complicate Russia’s ability to find buyers for its oil.

EU’s Political Position

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, articulated Brussels’ position even more bluntly.

“Russia responds to diplomacy with missiles. We intend to make this choice extremely costly,” Kallas said.

She noted that the new sanctions deliver a substantial blow to the Russian economy and systematically undermine Russia’s military capabilities.

According to Kallas, Russia is far from being an “invincible power”: the frontline has effectively stalled, while the country’s domestic economy is facing growing pressure. In Brussels’ view, tightening sanctions in coordination with partners and expanding military assistance to Ukraine could bring the war closer to an end.

Regional Dimension: Kulevi Terminal

Particular attention has been drawn to the regional aspect of the sanctions. The Kulevi oil terminal, located on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, has been included in the sanctions list.

EU officials explain that the terminal appears in the logistics chain for receiving and transiting Russian oil. The facility is operated by SOCAR, Azerbaijan’s state oil company. Its annual throughput capacity reaches up to 10 million tons of oil and petroleum products, making Kulevi a significant hub in regional energy logistics.

The 20th sanctions package will enter into force after formal approval by EU member states.

Haqqin.az has contacted SOCAR for comment and is ready to publish the official position of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic.