Energy, banks, crypto: EU proposes 21st sanctions package against Russia

The European Commission has unveiled a proposed 21st package of sanctions against Russia, expanding restrictions across multiple sectors, including energy, financial services, cryptocurrency, trade, and— for the first time—fisheries, according to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

“Our sanctions are working. They are weakening the economic foundations of Russia’s war effort. Today we double down. With a 21st package. Covering energy, banks & crypto, trade including fisheries and visa for Russian soldiers,” von der Leyen said on June 9, Caliber.Az reports.

Our sanctions are working.

They are weakening the economic foundations of Russia’s war effort.

Today we double down.

With a 21st package.

Covering energy, banks & crypto, trade including fisheries and visa for Russian soldiers ↓ https://t.co/fTIkATOSfN

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 9, 2026

The new package is expected to include listings of up to 90 banks in a single round, which would bring the total number of sanctioned financial institutions to more than 100. According to EU estimates, these institutions represent over half of Russia’s internationally connected banking sector.

The proposed measures would subject the listed banks to full EU sanctions, including asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on financial transactions.

In addition to the listings, the European Commission—working alongside the EU’s diplomatic service, the European External Action Service (EEAS)—plans to propose a ban on transactions with 35 banks, as well as restrictions targeting around a dozen cryptocurrency platforms. These entities are accused of helping Russia circumvent existing Western sanctions, including through operations in third countries.

By Sabina Mammadli