Vlasyuk Explained What Ukraine Expects from the EU's 22nd Sanctions Package

Ukraine expects the European Union’s 22nd sanctions package to include tighter restrictions on the Russian financial sector, new bans on technology exports to Russia, and additional measures against Russia’s “shadow fleet.”

According to Vlasyuk, Ukraine sees significant potential for further pressure on the Russian financial system, particularly by restricting Russia’s ability to make international payments.

“First, we are digging very deeply into the financial sector and see great potential for reducing Russia’s ability to participate in global trade—specifically through restrictions on payments. Second, we continue to target all technologies available to Russia and very much hope to secure sector-specific restrictions on the export of equipment to Russian oil refineries. Some of it is already under sanctions, and we’d like to block the rest as well, to make it harder for them to recover from the effects of our Defense Forces’ attacks,” Vlasyuk emphasized.

One of Ukraine’s top priorities is to further restrict Russia’s access to the technologies and equipment necessary for the operation and restoration of oil refineries.

Vlasyuk noted that some of the relevant equipment is already subject to sanctions, but Ukraine aims to expand the list of restrictions.

According to him, this should make it more difficult for Russia to restore its capacity following attacks by Ukrainian defense forces.

Separately, Vlasyuk said, the possibility of banning the import of petroleum products into Russia is being discussed. However, this is not yet a final decision, but merely a proposal that is being actively considered.

Another key focus of the future sanctions package is strengthening measures against Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which Moscow uses to circumvent international restrictions on the oil trade.

Vlasyuk emphasized that Ukraine would like to see not only an expansion of the sanctions lists but also more practical measures targeting ships and their crews.

“And, of course, as always—everything related to the ‘shadow fleet.’ We want to see more vessel detentions, seizures, and sanctions against tanker captains,” Vlasyuk concluded.

Thus, among Ukraine’s main expectations from the 22nd package of EU sanctions are increased pressure on the Russian financial sector, restrictions on Russia’s access to technologies and equipment for the oil refining industry, possible new measures regarding the import of petroleum products, and continued prosecution of members of the Russian “shadow fleet.”

Vladislav Vlasyuk, the President of Ukraine’s Representative for Sanctions Policy, spoke about this in an interview with “Glavkom.”

The European Union may adopt the 22nd package of sanctions against Russia no earlier than November. At the same time, as early as October, the EU expects to expand its sanctions list to include approximately 1,600 individuals and legal entities.

As a reminder, on October 2, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions against seven Russian citizens whom London links to the forced deportation, indoctrination, and militarization of Ukrainian children. Among those sanctioned are the leaders of Russia’s “First Movement” and its branches in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

Earlier, the U.S. banned transactions with A7 due to suspicions of sanctions evasion.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury also imposed sanctions against Iran’s automotive and railway sectors. The restrictions are part of Operation Economic Outcast, aimed at cutting off Tehran’s access to financial resources.

On October 1, the British government announced a new package of sanctions against Russia, targeting 31 individuals and entities, as well as vessels belonging to Russia’s “shadow fleet.”