This content was last updated on 18th of February 2026.
Note: At the time of writing, parts of the package are still being discussed by the Council. We will update this page once the final legal acts are published in the Official Journal.
On 6 February 2026, the European Commission proposed the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. The proposal (once more) targets the energy market (including a full maritime services ban of Russian crude oil), financial services (listing 20 additional regional banks and anti-crypto circumvention rules) and trade (new export and import bans). It also proposes to activate, for the first time, the EU’s anti-circumvention tool to restrict sensitive exports to jurisdictions with a high re-export risk. The Commission aims for adoption around late February 2026, in the run-up to the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Reporting also indicates ongoing debate among Member States and partners on the scope and timing of the maritime services ban.
The new measures further tighten energy-related restrictions (notably shipping and services for Russian oil and certain LNG assets), expand financial listings and enforcement on crypto and broaden export/import controls, all with a sharper focus on closing loopholes. Businesses with exposure to maritime services, energy trade, metals/chemicals/minerals, machinery and dual-use adjacent items should reassess sanctions risk, routing and counterparties immediately.
Key takeaways
- Energy: Proposal for a full maritime services ban for Russian crude oil, coordinated (ideally) with the G7; 43 additional “shadow fleet” vessels listed (bringing the total to 640); tighter limits on acquiring tankers for the shadow fleet; sweeping bans on maintenance and other services for LNG tankers and icebreakers.
- Financial services: 20 additional Russian regional banks to be listed; measures aimed at crypto assets, intermediaries and platforms; actions also envisaged against banks in third countries facilitating illicit trade in sanctioned goods.
- Trade restrictions: Additional export bans on goods and services (e.g. rubber, tractors, certain cybersecurity services) and new import bans on metals, chemicals and critical minerals; more controls on items for Russia’s battlefield efforts (e.g. materials used to produce explosives). Proposal also includes a quota on ammonia.
- Anti-circumvention: Targeted restrictions on exporting CNC machines and radios to high-risk jurisdictions for re-export to Russia; broader enforcement push to reduce loopholes.
Timeline and next steps
The Commission presented the 20the sanctions package on 6 February 2026, marking the start of the legislative process. Throughout February 2026, Members States have been discussing the proposal in the Council. Several sources indicated that the EU aims to adopt the package before 24 February, subject to unanimity. Once adopted, the measures will be published in the Official Journal and enter into force immediately or as specified. This article will then be updated with the final text.
For detailed information on the previous 19 packages of restrictive measures against Russia, please see: EU sanctions measures against Russia.
This publication is provided for your convenience and does not constitute legal advice.
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