Crippling Russia’s economy: EU explores new sanctions on Russian banks, oil trade; joint action with US being mulled

In an attempt to pile on economic pressure on Russia, the European Union is weighing a fresh set of sanctions on Russian banks and oil trade to get President Vladimir Putin to end the war against Ukraine.

According to a Bloomberg report, this proposed 19th set of measures since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war 2022 may include restrictions on Russian payment and credit card systems, cryptocurrency exchanges, and additional constraints on oil trade.


The EU aims to synchronise certain sanctions with the United States, according to sources quoted in the report. EU representatives are scheduled to visit Washington this week for meetings with US officials to discuss potential joint measures.

US seeks EU support to pressure Russia

"We are prepared to increase pressure on Russia, but we need our partners in Europe to follow," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said during his Sunday appearance on NBC's Meet the Press.

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He further noted that the US and European nations are deliberating additional sanctions and secondary tariffs on Russia, with the aim that Russian economic difficulties might bring Putin to negotiate peace with Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump has not enacted direct sanctions against Russia, despite missing multiple self-set deadlines and Putin's unwillingness to seek a peaceful resolution. However, he has increased tariffs on India to 50% due to its ongoing Russian oil purchases.

Whilst Russia faces severe, crippling sanctions from Western nations, it has managed to mitigate some effects by acquiring restricted goods from China and other nations, whilst finding new markets for its oil and gas products, including India.

The US is considering additional measures, including sanctions on Russia's covert oil tanker fleet and energy companies Rosneft PJSC and Lukoil PJSC, alongside other potential actions, as previously reported by Bloomberg.

What economic measures is the EU planning against Russia?

According to sources quoted in the report, the EU's restrictions would enhance sanctions on Russia's unofficial vessels and oil traders in third countries, potentially prohibiting re-insurance for designated tankers.

The EU is considering stricter measures against major Russian oil firms by eliminating existing exemptions for companies like Rosneft. Additional considerations include expanding export prohibitions on military-industrial supplies and implementing trade restrictions on international companies, including Chinese firms, that provide these materials.

Beijing has emerged as a crucial military supplier to Russia, particularly enabling Moscow to enhance its drone manufacturing capabilities used for attacking Ukrainian cities.

The European Union is considering implementing its "anti-circumvention tool" against Kazakhstan for the first time, according to sources quoted in the Bloomberg report. This action would prohibit Kazakhstan from importing specific machinery that EU trade data suggests is being redirected to Russia for weapons manufacturing.

Sources indicate that implementing this tool requires substantial evidence and unanimous support from EU member states. The proposed sanctions package may undergo modifications during discussions with EU member countries over the upcoming days and weeks.

Additional contemplated measures include visa limitations, restrictions on ports handling sanctioned shadow vessels, and controls on military-related services, including artificial intelligence applications.

EU ambassadors received a briefing about the proposed package during the weekend, with formal proposals expected to be presented in the near future.

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