easing of sanctions
The European Union is poised to adjust its stance on Moscow on Wednesday, according to a draft of the seventh package of restrictive measures seen by Reuters. The bloc’s leaders reportedly agree to free up some funds tied to major Russian banks, a move that could help address global shortages of food and fertilizers. The article notes this step comes amid criticism from African leaders about the negative effects sanctions have had on trade and food supply.
Officials indicate that resources held by large Russian creditors such as VTB, Sovcombank, Novikombank, Otkritie Bank, VEB, Promsvyazbank, and Rossiya Bank could be unfrozen in order to relieve pressing needs. At the same time, Sberbank’s assets would remain frozen, with exceptions made only for purposes connected to agricultural imports and other essential food logistics.
The draft specifies that funds may be released once it is verified that they are necessary for the purchase, import, or transport of agricultural products and fertilizers. In addition, the EU aims to ease the export of food from Russian ports, a service that traders have halted in response to sanctions. The articles emphasize that the EU has previously denied that sanctions hurt food trade, highlighting the potential for a recalibration of impact through targeted measures.
black list
EUobserver reports that the Russian motorcycle club Night Wolves could be added to the sanctions list, which would prevent the group from operating freely across Europe. The published draft identifies Night Wolves leader Alexander Zaldastanov, three associates, and the club itself as new targets being discussed among European ambassadors. Zaldastanov, aged 59, is cited for actively supporting Russian state propaganda, denying Ukraine’s right to statehood, and advocating for policies that would minimize and purify Ukraine.
The emerging blacklist is expected to include 47 individuals and eight legal entities alongside a prohibition on Russian gold imports. The list features prominent military and political figures from Russia, as well as Ukrainian collaborators in the occupied areas. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, two actors accused of disseminating pro-war messaging, Sergei Bezrukov and Vladimir Mashkov, and Rostec chief Sergei Chemezov are among those named. Additionally, relatives of previously sanctioned Russian oligarchs are likely to be added to the roster.
Enforcement agencies and goods
Restrictions are also anticipated to extend to several transport and weapons-related companies, the Yunarmiya youth movement, and the Russkiy Mir Foundation. The new measures are expected to significantly curb Sberbank’s activity within European markets. The bloc is considering a ban on direct or indirect imports, purchases, or transfers of gold, a major export for Russia after energy resources. Some reports from Bloomberg indicate that jewellery could be included in a broader ban on Russian gold imports.
EU observers confirm that the existing sanctions framework will be amended to clarify that transport firms moving food from Russia to regions experiencing shortages will not be penalized. The same precaution would apply to medical and pharmaceutical products. Reuters later cited anonymous sources noting that the relaxation measures form a smaller portion of the package, described as a six-and-a-half pack in light of the modest new restrictions relative to prior rounds. The overall tone suggests the EU is calibrating its approach to sanctions rather than sharply expanding penalties.