Zelenskyy's office has revealed who will be targeted by the 20th package of sanctions against Russia
On April 22, 2026, European Union ambassadors officially approved the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. The new restrictions focus on three strategic areas: energy, the financial sector, and the military-industrial complex.
This was reported to journalists by Vladislav Vlasyuk, the President of Ukraine’s Representative for Sanctions Policy, according to RBC-Ukraine. According to him, the decisions were unblocked after Hungary lifted its veto, which occurred in parallel with the resumption of operations at the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Energy and the “shadow fleet”: The package includes a ban on the purchase of tankers in the EU by Russian buyers and a ban on their resale. Another 43 vessels from the “shadow fleet” have been added to the sanctions list (over 640 in total). A ban on maintenance and services for Russian LNG tankers and icebreakers is also being implemented.
Financial sector: Another 20 regional Russian banks have been sanctioned. Specific measures are being implemented against cryptocurrency platforms that help circumvent restrictions, as well as banks in third countries that facilitate illicit trade.
Trade and the Military-Industrial Complex: Exports of goods worth over €360 million (rubber, tractors, cyber services) and imports of metals and critical minerals worth €570 million are prohibited. For the first time, a tool to counter sanctions evasion has been activated for CNC machine tools.
Vladyslav Vlasyuk emphasized that special attention has been paid to individuals responsible for the deportation of Ukrainian children and to systematic propaganda outlets. The lists will also include oligarchs and religious figures who previously evaded accountability.
Official approval of the package will take place on April 23 via a written procedure. Contrary to expectations, a complete ban on maritime services for the transport of Russian oil is not currently included—this measure is planned to be implemented only after final approval by all G7 countries. Thus, the EU continues its policy of gradual but systematic economic pressure on the aggressor.
EU ambassadors approved a €90 billion loan for Ukraine and agreed on the 20th package of sanctions against Russia.
The new, 20th package of EU sanctions will not include a complete ban on providing maritime services to Russian vessels transporting oil and petroleum products. As noted, this restriction was considered one of the strongest elements of the package, but it was not included in the final version.
