What are EU sanctions against Russia?
Why does the EU sanction Russia?
As its war of aggression against Ukraine drags on with no purpose, Russia is increasingly putting its economy on a war footing. The Russian military industrial complex is growing to be a large part of the economy. Russia's illegal war in Ukraine threatens the security of all of Europe. The EU Stands with Ukraine. Follow the link to learn more about Europe's largest every package of sanctions against Russia, targeting the war economy.
Why do EU sanctions target Russia's military-industrial complex?
The latest EU sanctions are aimed at disrupting the Russian military-industrial complex. The industry of war is increasingly embedded in the Russian economy with
- Annual industry value: The companies targeted by the latest sanctions generate at least €20 billion in annual turnover.
- Increased investment in war economy: Russia’s war economy is projected to expand by almost 30% in 2027.
- Industrial workforce: Military industrial companies employ more than 250 000 people in weapons' production.
- GDP share ballooning: The Russian military industrial complex is expected to exceed 10% of GDP in 2027.
- Long-term war preparation: With military spending at levels not seen since Soviet times, Russia is preparing for a long-term war.
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HR/VP Kaja Kallas announces new EU sanctions targeting 1 569 Russian military companies and CEOs.
Why sanction Russia's military?
The Russian economy is increasingly on a war footing. The latest EU sanctions put the squeeze on Russia's war industries which produce
- Explosives and ammunition for the Russian military
- Russian drones, helicopters, aircraft and satellites
- Iskander, Kalibr and Zircon missiles for Russia’s attacks on civilian infrastructure
- Electronics, optical and navigation systems for military manufacturers in Russia
Does Russia want peace in Ukraine?
Russia clearly does not want peace and is actually preparing for more war.
Russia continues to launch missiles and drones at homes, hospitals, schools and energy industries.
Russia is failing even in its most basic war aims. As it struggles on the battlefield, it uses some of its most advanced weapons to terrorise Ukrainian civilians.
Every missile and drone that rains down on innocent civilians in Ukraine is built by a vast industrial network within Russia.
Do EU sanctions target civilians in Russia?
EU sanctions are not targeted against Russian civilians. The latest round of EU sanctions are aimed squarely at Russia’s war machine
- 826 Russian companies profiting from Russia’s war industry are being added to the existing 450 sanctioned companies.
- 743 individuals serving as CEOs of these weapons’ companies are being added to list.
- In total, there are 1,569 listings in the new EU sanctions package.
- This package increases the overall sanctions listing by over 50%, from 3,000 to 4,500 companies and individuals.
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The EU is sanctioning the industrial supply chain behind every Russian missile against civilian targets in Ukraine.
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How much have sanctions cost the Russian economy?
Since 2014, the EU has adopted an extensive sanctions response, aimed at weakening Russia’s ability to wage its war of aggression against Ukraine.
Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, western sanctions have cost the Russian economy €1.3 trillion.
EU sanctions have increased pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet, financial networks, energy revenue and oil exports.
What do the latest EU sanctions mean for the Russian economy?
The latest round of EU sanctions against Russia’s military supply chains adds 1 569 companies and individuals to the sanctions list.
The list of sanctioned entities in Russia has now grown from 3 000 to more than 4 500.
The EU has previously sanctioned 450 companies, including around 80 major enterprises doing business with the Russian military.
The latest EU sanctions package targets hundreds of additional companies deep in Russia’s military-industrial supply chain.
What are EU sanctions?
Sanctions are a tool of EU diplomacy. European Union sanctions are a peaceful means to respond to conflict, terrorism and human rights abuses.
- EU sanctions are a legal way to restrict trade, access to finance, access to services and travel.
- Humanitarian goods are not subject to sanctions by the European Union.
- Business and individuals, especially those in international trade, need to be aware of sanctions regimes.
Questions People Also Ask about EU Sanctions
What are European Union sanctions?
Sanctions from the EU are legal restrictions on trade, financial activity, and travel and services. Those people or entities listed have their assets and economic resources in the EU frozen, while EU citizens and companies are prohibited from making funds or economic resources available to them. Listed individuals are also banned from entering or transiting through the EU.
Who or what can be sanctioned?
Countries, governments, banks, individuals, armed groups can be sanctioned. Sanctions are commonly used to respond to threats such as conflict, terrorism, corruption, or human rights abuses.
What is the effect of sanctions on business?
Businesses need to be aware of EU sanctions regimes in case they break the law by dealing with sanctioned entities. Financial institutions, logistics firms, professional services firms, NGOs and charities and insurers need to control for sanctions.
What types of sanctions are imposed?
Sanctions are usually financial, trade, travel, services, and sectoral. Humanitarian goods like medicine and food are not subject to sanctions.
Where can I get more EU Sanctions information?
There are a number of sources for information about European Union sanctions for businesses and people to learn more about sanctions (restrictive measures).
European External Action Service
To learn more about EU sanctions as a tool of European Union diplomacy follow the link to the European External Action Service’s page on sanctions.
EU Sanctions Map
For an updated map of where sanctions apply and to track the most recent developments, follow the link to the EU Sanctions Map
DG FISMA
For more information about the financial impact of EU sanctions regimes, follow the link to DG FISMA’s Overview of sanctions and related resources
EU Sanctions News
