Kallas says EU targets Russian banks, energy sector in new sanctions

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the European Union has agreed on its 21st sanctions package against Russia, Report informs, citing her post on X.

Kallas said the new package includes sweeping measures targeting Moscow's financial system, military-industrial complex and energy sector, which she said continue to sustain Russia's war economy.

She said the EU was "hitting Putin where it hurts most" by cutting off financial lifelines used to support the war.

Kallas noted that the latest package is the EU's largest sanctions round in four years and includes 218 listings.

According to her, the measures target more than 100 banks and crypto operators, over 40 shadow fleet vessels, and several oil refineries in Russia and Belarus that help support Moscow's war effort.

Kallas said the EU was also responding to Russia's attacks on civilians, infrastructure and cultural heritage by listing more than 50 military-industrial entities, including key actors involved in the production of Russia's long-range drones.

She added that the new measures follow last week's sanctions against those responsible for the abuse and killing of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees, as well as technology companies accused of enabling the Kremlin's repression of internet users.

"This is not the end of the road on sanctions. We are already working on the next steps. The EU must be ready to respond to any further Russian escalation," Kallas said.