EU adopts 21st Russia sanctions package

218 new listings (48 individuals, 170 entities), 94 listed banks and financial institutions, suspension of the oil price cap adaptation until July 2027, 41 additional shadow-fleet vessels, and for the first time the basis for an EU-wide entry ban on Russian combatants.

On 23 July 2026, after weeks of deadlock (see the entries of 13 and 15 July), EU member states adopted the 21st sanctions package against Russia. It contains 218 additional listings — 48 individuals and 170 entities, the highest number since the war began — including 94 banks and major financial institutions; more than 100 Russian banks in total are now subject to a transaction ban plus a prohibition on using financial messaging services. Of 56 listings targeting the military-industrial complex, 37 are directly linked to the production and supply chain for long-range drones. The oil price cap adaptation agreed in the 18th package is suspended for a full year until July 2027; 41 further shadow-fleet vessels are added to the 632 already sanctioned. A one-year, renewable exemption with strict reporting and volume requirements applies to LNG transfers to third countries. 51 entities were listed for helping circumvent sanctions (24 in Russia, 27 in third countries, 14 of them in China). The package also created the basis for a comprehensive entry ban on combatants and ex-combatants of the Russian armed forces, with the Council to decide on entry into force once implementing measures are in place.