Overview

• The European Commission unveiled the EU’s 19th Russia sanctions package proposing a full halt to Russian natural-gas imports by the end of 2026, taking effect in January 2027.
• The plan widens oil restrictions by adding 118 tankers to the blacklist targeting the so-called shadow fleet that carries Russian crude.
• EU companies would be barred from transactions with Rosneft and Gazprom Neft, and curbs would also cover certain third-country refiners and traders involved in Russian exports.
• Brussels presented the tougher measures in response to recent large drone and missile attacks on Ukraine and airspace violations over Poland and Romania.
• Adoption remains uncertain because all member states must agree, and talks are expected after objections from Hungary and Slovakia, which depend heavily on Russian energy.