18 package sanctions EU against Russia and Belarus

In the summer of 2025, the European Union adopted its 18 package sanctions against Russia and Belarus. This measure was aimed at maintaining political and economic pressure on both countries amid the ongoing crisis. The new provisions cover a broad range of sectors—from finance and energy to transport and high technology.

Let us examine in detail the specific restrictions included in this package and their potential impact on the situation.

Main Areas of 18 package sanctions

The 18th sanctions package affected numerous sectors.

Individual and Corporate Sanctions

The first measure of the new package was the addition of 14 individuals and 41 legal entities to the sanctions lists. Among the latter were energy companies, banking institutions, and enterprises of the military-industrial complex. Thus, the EU continued its practice of targeted pressure on key figures and structures directly involved in critical decision-making.

Oil Price Cap Reduced to $47.60 per Barrel

As of September 3, 2025, a new price cap on Russian oil—set at just $47.60 per barrel—has been established. More significantly, an automatic price adjustment mechanism has been introduced, enabling swift recalibration of the cap in response to market conditions. This approach aims to enhance the mechanism’s flexibility and reduce the likelihood of circumvention.

Ban on Refined Products Derived from Russian Oil

Another major change concerns the refining of Russian crude oil. Six months after entry into force, the import of petroleum products from third countries will be prohibited if it is known that they were produced from Russian crude oil. Exceptions apply only to members of the Group of Seven (G7) and the European Economic Area (EEA).

Maritime Transport and the Shadow Fleet

The list of vessels classified as part of the “shadow fleet” has been significantly expanded. An additional 105 ships have been added to the registry, bringing the total to 444 vessels. For the first time, ship captains and operators of flag registries have been included in the sanctions list, reflecting the EU’s intent to strengthen accountability across all participants in the transportation of Russian resources.

Gas Infrastructure 18 package sanctions

A separate provision mandates the complete cessation of any activities related to the operation of the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines. This effectively closes the door to any potential resumption of gas flows through these routes.

Cancellation of Czech Oil Import Exemption

Previous exemptions allowing the Czech Republic to purchase Russian oil have been eliminated, fully integrating the Czech market into the EU’s broader strategy to reduce energy dependence on Russia.

Banking Sector and Digital Payments

Effective August 8, 2025, transactions with 22 Russian banks are prohibited. Simultaneously, pressure on Russia’s domestic payment infrastructure has intensified—Russia’s SPFS (System for Transfer of Financial Messages) and crypto services in third countries are now subject to additional restrictive measures.

Investment Activity and Russia’s National Wealth Fund

Sanctions have been imposed for the first time on Russia’s National Wealth Fund (the Russian Direct Investment Fund, RDIF) and affiliated entities, including foreign investment companies acting on the fund’s behalf. This move is designed to curtail Russia’s international investment activities.

Export Controls and High Technologies

Particularly sensitive are export restrictions on high-tech goods valued at over €2.5 billion. These include products and technologies usable in both the defense industry and civilian sectors with high development potential.

Accountability for Human Rights Violations

Individual sanctions continue to be applied against persons accused of human rights abuses—specifically those responsible for the forced deportation of Ukrainian children, the establishment of puppet administrations in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, and propaganda dissemination.

Coordinated Measures Against Belarus

Simultaneously with actions targeting Russia, symmetric measures were introduced against Belarus, including prohibitions on financial communications and arms imports. These parallel measures aim to limit Minsk’s potential to coordinate actions with Moscow.

EU Legal Safeguards

A mechanism has been established to protect EU member states from lawsuits initiated by Russian entities under existing bilateral investment treaties. This shields EU countries from potential legal claims seeking compensation for losses resulting from sanctions.

International Support for Sanctions

Beyond the EU itself, the United Kingdom has expressed support for the new package and implemented its own independent measures:

• Three units of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces (GRU) and 18 officers of Russian military intelligence have been added to sanctions lists.
• The United Kingdom has aligned itself with the EU’s decision to lower the price cap on Russian oil.

Additionally, the Bahamas announced its decision to remove from its maritime registry vessels owned by Russian companies or engaged in trade with Russia.

Conclusion

The EU’s 18 package sanctions against Russia and Belarus reflects a deepening and increased granularity in the Union’s approach to restrictive measures. Businesses must be able to adapt swiftly to these rapidly evolving conditions.

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