EU adopts 21st sanctions package against Russia, expanding pressure over war in Ukraine

The Council of the European Union has adopted its 21st package of restrictive measures against Russia, introducing new economic sanctions and significantly expanding the list of individuals and entities targeted in response to Moscow’s ongoing war against Ukraine.

According to an official statement issued by the Council, the latest package includes “robust economic sanctions targeting the sectors with the greatest impact on Russia’s economy and its ability to sustain its war of aggression against Ukraine.”

The new sanctions list is the largest adopted by the European Union in the past four years, adding 218 new listings, comprising 48 individuals and 170 entities.

The Council said the measures follow what it described as Russia’s recent “deliberate and brutal military attacks” against civilian infrastructure, including energy, water supply, and healthcare facilities, as well as cultural and religious sites. According to the EU, these attacks have caused severe hardship for the civilian population.

The European Union reaffirmed its determination to maintain and increase pressure on Russia in an effort to bring an end to the war and compel Moscow to engage in meaningful…