EU Adopts 21st Sanctions Package Against Russia Considerations

On 23 July 2026, the Council of the European Union adopted the 21^st package of sanctions against Russia, introducing further restrictive measures affecting Russia’s financial sector, crypto-related services, energy revenues, shadow fleet, military-industrial complex and sanctions-circumvention networks.

The new package expands both sectoral and economic measures and introduces additional individual and entity designations. Businesses should assess whether the new restrictions affect their customers, counterparties, service providers, payment routes, vessels or wider supply chains, and ensure that relevant screening and control frameworks are updated without delay.

Particular attention should be given to the 14 newly targeted crypto-related service platforms. Their inclusion reflects the EU’s continued focus on crypto-related channels that may be used to support prohibited activity or facilitate sanctions circumvention. Firms should review any direct or indirect exposure to the listed