On 15 June 2026, the European Union adopted a new sanctions package in response to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. The measures expand existing restrictive listings by adding 34 individuals and 47 entities linked to Russia’s military, economic, and political structures. A key focus of the package is the disruption of Russia’s energy revenues and its so-called “shadow fleet,” which the EU describes as a network of vessels and intermediaries used to transport crude oil and petroleum products in circumvention of sanctions.
The package targets ship managers, technical operators, traders, and associated service providers involved in these activities, including entities linked to major Russian energy companies such as Lukoil and Gazprom. Several shipping-related companies and individuals have been designated for their alleged involvement in facilitating oil transport, including through practices such as ship-to-ship transfers, AIS manipulation, and the use of opaque ownership and insurance structures. The EU also highlights concerns regarding inadequate liability insurance and increased operational and environmental risks associated with these vessels. In addition, the sanctions extend to intermediaries providing insurance, brokerage, and administrative services supporting the movement of Russian-origin oil. These measures include actors based in multiple jurisdictions, including Russia, the UAE, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Liberia, and Hong Kong.
Overall, the package is aimed at further limiting Russia’s ability to generate energy revenues, disrupting the logistics of its shadow fleet operations, and increasing pressure on the commercial networks enabling sanctioned oil trade.
Furthermore, on the 18th June 2026, European Union leaders agreed to extend sanctions against Russia over its war against Ukraine for another 12 months, marking the first time the bloc has renewed the measures for a full year rather than the customary six-month period.
The decision was made during a European Council summit in Brussels that began with the participation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy before continuing among EU leaders.
Maria Tomasik, spokesperson for the president of the European Council, said EU leaders had approved conclusions on Ukraine and agreed to extend sanctions against Russia for another year. The sanctions target key sectors of the Russian economy.
Despite the above – mentioned new measures against Russia, the adoption of the 21st Sanction Package against Russia is facing new obstacles, with the Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev stating on the sidelines of the European Council meeting on 18 June 2026, that some of the sanctions against Russia in the 21st package are unacceptable, claiming they pose a threat to Bulgaria's economy.
Bulgaria reportedly wants Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill removed from the draft 21st EU package of sanctions against Russia and considers some of the proposed sanctions, particularly energy-related ones, harmful to its economy. "We have already stated our position that we will not allow sanctions that cause damage and pose a risk to the Bulgarian economy. I can point to the risk to the functioning of Lukoil; I can point to the risk to the supply of spare parts for the capital's metro system, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' concerns regarding the delivery of [certain] goods for Bulgaria and for the EU as a whole."
According to European Pravda, the EU's 21st sanctions package against Russia is intended to be approved by 15 July – the deadline for reviewing the price cap on Russian oil.
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