The cycle of penalties against Russia for its war in Ukraine continues to turn, as Brussels presses forward with new measures. After weeks of diplomacy, the 27 EU member states have given final approval to the thirteenth sanctions package targeting Vladimir Putin’s regime. The standout feature here is a substantial expansion: the blacklist now includes 200 additional individuals and entities whose entry into the European Union is prohibited and whose assets in the Union are frozen in response to Russia’s aggression. The Belgian presidency of the EU Council announced that this package is among the most extensive to date and will proceed through a written procedure to be formally adopted on or before February 24th, signaling a broadened, synchronized stance among member states.
In addition to bringing fresh names into the fold, the latest round of measures focuses on the supply networks used to obtain drone components. These parts are linked to Russia’s military complex and, ultimately, to the battlefield in Ukraine. Diplomatic sources emphasize that the package extends sectoral sanctions to cover both Russian companies and firms located in third countries. Previously sanctioned entities from Hong Kong and Iran now see new additions, and, for the first time, Chinese companies are being targeted as part of the broader effort to disrupt the industrial chain supporting Russia’s war machine.
With the inclusion of 200 more names, the EU’s focus now encompasses more than 2,000 individuals and companies. The bloc has also agreed to extend the sanctions regime for an additional six months, underscoring a sustained effort to degrade the war apparatus of Moscow. The EU’s top diplomats stress that the new package strengthens measures against entities involved in evading export controls and those operating in defense and military sectors. Josep Borrell, the head of European diplomacy, highlighted the ongoing aim to curb Russia’s capacity to wage war. He noted that maintaining a high level of pressure on the Kremlin is essential to hinder the regime’s ability to access critical technologies and components, particularly in the drone domain. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, underscored the objective of preventing Russia from obtaining drones that could be used on Ukrainian soil. Roberta Metsola, president of the European Parliament, added that two years into the conflict, the bloc’s resolve to support Ukraine remains unwavering.
Obstacles from Hungary
The adoption of the new sanctions package also arrives amid the broader posthumous reflection on the death of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny. Its path was not straightforward, largely due to the typical last-minute hesitation from Hungary. Budapest once again raised questions, holding up the agreement until the final hours. Diplomatic sources recount that an initial consensus was in place last week, but Hungary requested additional time. In recent days, signals emerged suggesting the country would not block the package, and the Coreper, which comprises the permanent representatives, approved the package swiftly and without contentious debate.
Nevertheless, Hungary has reaffirmed its position of dissent regarding elements of the European sanctions strategy against Moscow. In a statement, Budapest made clear that it does not endorse every component of the plan and reiterated the priority of protecting Hungary’s national interests. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó reinforced this stance, indicating that any part of the package that could undermine Hungary’s strategic priorities should be removed. As a result, while the decison process moved forward, the diplomatic tension around Hungary’s role in approving the package persisted, illustrating how national concerns can shape a bloc’s unified external policy.