Restrictive measures in view of Russia's actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine (sectoral restrictive measures)

Overview

Since March 2014, the EU has progressively imposed restrictive measures (sanctions) against Russia targeting specific economic sectors in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol and the deliberate destabilisation of Ukraine. The restrictive measures were expanded following Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine in February 2022 with the aim of weakening Russia’s economic base, depriving it of critical technologies and markets and significantly curtailing its ability to wage war. The first packages adopted by the EU included measures such as banning the export of dual-use and defence-related goods, blocking public financing for trade or investment with Russia, restricting oil refining-related exports, imposing aviation sector restrictions, and prohibiting various financial interactions and transactions with Russia. Additionally, they involved banning Russia from the SWIFT system, prohibiting the transmission and distribution of certain Russian State-owned information outlets, and limiting the export of maritime navigation goods and radio communication technology. In March and April 2022 further measures were introduced, including a full prohibition on transactions with certain Russian State-owned enterprises and four key Russian banks, a ban on imports of iron and steel products, export of luxury goods, a coal ban, a port access ban and a ban on any Russian and Belarusian road transport of sanctioned goods. In June and July 2022, in response to Russia’s ongoing military efforts, the Council imposed oil import restrictions, oil transport services restrictions, including transport to third countries, additional financial and business services and export measures, a broadcasting suspension, and a ban on the import of Russian gold. In order to curb Russia’s revenues to finance its war of aggression and to deprive its military and industrial complex of key components, the Council continued to expand the measures in 2022, including with new export and import restrictions and additional bans for Russian banks and media outlets. On 3 December 2022, the Council set an oil price cap for crude oil, petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals from Russia. Following this, on 4 February 2023, the Council set two price caps for petroleum products from Russia. During 2023 the Council imposed further trade, transport and energy measures, such as additional export restrictions on sensitive dual-use goods and advanced technologies and measures to facilitate divestment from Russia by EU operators. The Council also adopted several measures to tackle the circumvention of sanctions. On 18 December 2023, the Council imposed a new import ban on Russian diamonds and on raw materials for steel production, processed aluminium products and other metal goods. Moreover, it introduced stricter energy measures and stronger anti-circumvention measures, including an obligation for operators to contractually prohibit the re-export of certain sensitive goods to Russia. The package of measures adopted on 23 February 2024 enhanced the EU’s actions to stop Russia from acquiring Western sensitive technologies for Russian military. Derogations and exemptions to the restrictive measures are possible, including the delivery of humanitarian aid. The latest package was adopted on October 23, 2025, and introduced new restrictions in the areas of trade, finance, energy, and other sectors. Adopted by: EU. No persons or entities are currently designated under this regime.

Targeted country

Legal bases

• Council Decision concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia's actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine
• Council Regulation concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia's actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine

Official resources