EU Approves 16th Sanctions Package Targeting Russia's Economy

The new measures include a phased ban on Russian aluminum imports, expanded restrictions on oil trade, and additional blacklisted entities.

The EU's 16th sanctions package will be formally adopted by foreign ministers on Monday, marking three years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Key measures include a ban on primary aluminum imports from Russia, set to be phased in over the next year, and restrictions on gaming consoles and flight simulators.
The sanctions target 73 additional vessels in Russia's 'shadow fleet,' used to circumvent oil export restrictions, and blacklist 48 individuals and 35 entities.
Further actions include disconnecting 13 more Russian banks from the SWIFT payment system and banning eight Russian media outlets from broadcasting in Europe.
The EU's move comes as the U.S. administration under President Trump begins direct talks with Russia, raising concerns in Europe about potential concessions to Moscow.