- EU proposes barring anyone who served in the Russian military after February 2022 from entering the EU.
- New sanctions would target 31 banks, 30 shadow-fleet ships, and cryptocurrency assets.
- The bloc now seeks to hold Russia’s oil price cap at $44.10 per barrel until January next year.
The European Commission has proposed barring anyone who served in Russia’s forces after February 2022 from entering the EU. The measure forms part of a sanctions package designed to tighten pressure over the invasion of Ukraine.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented the plan in Brussels, saying participation in the invasion would make Europe off-limits. Yet, member-state governments must approve the proposals before they can take effect across the bloc.
Troop Ban Targets Service Since February 2022
The proposed entry restriction would apply to anyone who served in the Russian military after the war began. Von der Leyen described it as the first EU-wide attempt to exclude military personnel on that basis. He said,
“Our sanctions are working. They are weakening the economic foundations of Russia’s war effort. Today we double down.”
Per the report, the measure would not be limited to soldiers deployed in Ukraine. Its scope covers anyone whose military service began or continued after Moscow launched the invasion.
The proposal adds a travel penalty to restrictions targeting companies, banks, vessels, industrial goods, and financial activity. It also gives the package a personnel-focused element alongside economic controls.
Banks, Oil, and Shadow Fleet Face New Restrictions
The Commission also proposed sanctions against 31 Russian banks and 30 vessels linked to the country’s shadow fleet. The additions would raise the listed fleet from 632 ships to 662.
Those vessels are accused of helping Russia bypass restrictions on oil sales and other trade. The package would also target cryptocurrency assets and more metals and alloys used in aerospace and defense production.
Another proposal would keep the Russian oil price cap at $44.10, or €38, per barrel until January. Without the change, the cap could rise with global prices under its existing adjustment mechanism.
Von der Leyen said the mechanism was not designed for market shocks caused by the Strait of Hormuz closure. Recent conflict in Iran and the Gulf has pushed oil prices higher.
Zelenskyy Seeks Stronger Regional Defense Cooperation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the Nordic-Baltic Eight summit in Tallinn while the sanctions plan was unveiled. The group includes Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden.
Talks focused on strengthening Ukraine’s defense, increasing pressure on Moscow, and improving European security. Zelenskyy also held bilateral meetings with regional leaders and Estonian President Alar Karis.
His visit followed incidents involving Ukrainian drones entering Baltic or Finnish airspace after navigation disruptions blamed on Russia. Kyiv offered drone interception specialists to help affected countries respond.
Related: European Union Blocks Ruble Stablecoin A7A5 Tied to Sanctioned Russian Bank
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