EU targets Russian exports: Aluminium ban and new shipping controls

A new set of sanctions against Russia has been agreed upon between the European Union member states, diplomats confirmed on February 19, 2025. However, this latest package, set to be formally adopted by EU foreign ministers on February 24, 2025, aims to sustain pressure on Moscow ahead of the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine geopolitical crisis. Among the measures included is a ban on Russian aluminium imports.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, wrote on a social media platform, “The EU is clamping down even harder on circumvention by targeting more vessels in Putin's shadow fleet and imposing new import and export bans."

"We are committed to keep up the pressure on the Kremlin."

The EU has introduced its 16^th round of sanctions on Russia. At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump bypasses Kyiv and its European allies by engaging in direct negotiations with Moscow to end the war in Ukraine.

The new measures not only target Russia's highly profitable aluminium sector but also crack down on the so-called "shadow fleet" used to evade sanctions on Russian oil exports, blacklisting an additional 73 ageing vessels.

Brussels is also set to further isolate Russia by disconnecting 13 more banks from the global SWIFT payment system and banning eight additional Russian media outlets from broadcasting in Europe.

Meanwhile, European officials are scrambling to respond to Trump's unexpected move to engage in talks with Moscow, which could potentially undermine three years of steadfast U.S. support for Kyiv.