New EU sanctions against Russia expected by early summer – Politico

According to Ukrinform, this was reported by Politico, citing informed European diplomats and officials.

The 21st sanctions package against Russia, expected around late June or early July, is likely to target Russian banks, financial institutions, and military-industrial companies, as well as firms involved in selling stolen Ukrainian grain.

According to sources, Russia’s shadow fleet is also expected to become a key target of the new restrictive measures.

Diplomats believe tightening restrictions on the shadow fleet could help cut off one of the Kremlin’s most important revenue streams and increase pressure on Vladimir Putin to abandon his maximalist demands in any potential peace deal with Ukraine.

Officials also see an opportunity to move ahead with sanctions previously blocked by the government of Viktor Orbán, the former Hungarian Prime Minister.

These could include measures targeting senior members of the Russian Orthodox Church, including its leader Patriarch Kirill, a close ally of Putin who has openly praised Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

One diplomat said the European Commission could also return to the idea of banning maritime services for Russian vessels, a proposal previously blocked by Malta and Greece.

As previously reported, on April 23, the EU unblocked a financial assistance package for Ukraine for 2026–2027 and adopted its 20th sanctions package against Russia.