21st sanctions package

EU countries agreed on a 21st sanctions package against Russia, resolving a dispute over a proposed ban on shipping Russian gas to third countries by creating a limited exemption for pre-invasion contracts. The bloc also froze its price cap on Russian crude oil at $44.10 a barrel for 12 months, while Greece had resisted the gas export restriction.

The EU is preparing its 21st sanctions package against Russia, including shadow fleet listings, transaction bans, and limits on Russian fish imports, driven by the need to stabilize the oil price cap before market changes. Analysts argue these measures have failed to weaken the Russian economy, which shows record real wages and low inflation despite high interest rates.

Italy has joined Bulgaria in opposing EU plans to impose a visa ban on Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, citing concerns about sanctioning a Christian denomination leader. The proposal is part of the EU's 21st sanctions package targeting Russia's military-industrial and financial sectors, which also includes disputes over a Russian oil price cap and a ban on former Russian combatants entering the EU.

Italy and France are opposing the EU's proposal to ban former Russian combatants from entering the bloc, arguing the measure could lead to a broader ban on Russian citizens and should be managed via visa policy. The proposal is part of the EU's 21st sanctions package against Russia, which also faces disagreements over oil price cap freezes, shadow fleet restrictions, and Russian fish imports.

The EU's 21st sanctions package proposes denying entry to individuals who have served in Russia's armed forces during the invasion of Ukraine. The package also targets the shadow fleet, banks, and cryptocurrency.

The EU is preparing its 21st sanctions package against Russia, focusing on restricting oil exports, expanding sanctions on energy companies, and targeting shadow fleet vessels. The measures may also include penalties against Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill.