The offer is now final and official. The European Commission has unveiled the sixth package of sanctions against Russia, targeting the European Union’s 27 member states with measures that include an oil import ban, the disconnection of the banking giant Sberbank—the government’s largest financial institution—and an expanded list of individuals whose assets in the EU will be frozen and who will be barred from entering the bloc. The package also tightens the restrictions on the Swift payment system and increases pressure on high-ranking military officials and other key figures connected to Moscow’s regime. (Source: European Commission)
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to present the contents of the sixth package for unanimous approval by all twenty-seven member states before the plenary session of the European Parliament on Wednesday. The plan, as anticipated, includes steps to reduce dependence on Russian oil, a resource that currently accounts for about 27 percent of the EU’s oil needs. “Let’s be clear, it won’t be easy. Some member states rely heavily on Russian oil. But we must move forward. That is why we propose an oil embargo today, including a complete ban on the import of all Russian oil, both crude and refined, delivered by sea and pipeline,” von der Leyen stated. (Source: European Commission)
An embargo on oil imports will be implemented, mirroring the approach already taken with Russian coal, and will be introduced gradually with a planned rollout through August. The aim is to secure alternative supply routes while minimizing disruption to global markets. The proposal calls for a six-month phase-out for crude oil and a broader timeline through the end of the year for refined products. This approach is designed to maximize pressure on Russia while limiting collateral damage for EU economies and trading partners as they continue to support Ukraine. (Source: European Commission)
War crimes in Bucha
As EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell advances the new round, the package broadens sanctions to punish a larger group of perpetrators linked to war crimes in Bucha. The package also references abuses occurring during the siege in Mariúpol, signaling a clear message to those responsible for the Kremlin’s actions: they will be held accountable. (Source: European External Action Service)
The new round also targets the banking sector to isolate Russia financially by increasing the number of banks cut off from Swift. It was noted that Sberbank, by far Russia’s largest bank, holds about 37 percent of the country’s banking sector. The sanctions also hit two other major banks, aiming to disrupt critical elements of the Russian financial system and to hinder Putin’s ability to destabilize it. The directive, interpreted by Brussels officials, seeks to reinforce the complete isolation of the Russian financial system from global markets. (Source: European Commission)
The draft package also includes a proposal to curb the broadcast of three major Russian state-controlled television channels in the EU. Regardless of the distribution method—whether through cable, satellite, the internet, or mobile apps—the channels would be prohibited from delivering content within the union. Von der Leyen framed this move as a measure to prevent the spread of misinformation and propaganda that supports the Kremlin’s narrative. Additionally, the plan calls for banning European accountants, consultants, and advisers from providing services to Russian companies, aiming to choke off support networks around Moscow. (Source: European Commission)