European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has officially presented the 20th sanctions package against Russia. The new restrictions, unveiled on February 6, 2026, aim to ramp up pressure on the Kremlin amid a lack of genuine moves toward peace and the ongoing war of attrition.
"Russia is showing no signs of readiness for peace. We are activating the anti-circumvention tool to stop the flow of critical tech through third countries," von der Leyen said during the presentation. She noted that the new measures focus on three key sectors: energy, finance, and trade.
In the energy sector, the EU proposes a full ban on maritime services for Russian oil, in coordination with the G7. The "shadow fleet" list will see 43 vessels added, bringing the total number under sanctions to 640. Additionally, a ban on maintaining LNG tankers and icebreakers is being introduced to undermine new Russian gas projects.
The financial component includes sanctions against another 20 regional Russian banks. The European Commission is also targeting cryptocurrency platforms and banks in third countries that aid the aggressor in evading previously imposed financial restrictions.
In trade, the bloc will for the first time deploy a special anti-circumvention tool banning the export of CNC machines and radio equipment to countries deemed high-risk for re-export to Russia. New export restrictions are also being introduced on goods worth over €360 million, specifically rubber and tractors.
"We are making it harder for Russia to acquire tankers and imposing sweeping bans on maintenance to further undermine gas export projects," the Commission chief added. The package also includes measures to protect European companies from the illegal seizure of their assets within Russia.
We also recall the piece on Putin's Vietnam Syndrome: Why Russia Can Neither Win Nor Retreat.