China's Ministry of Commerce has added 14 entities from the European Union, including German defence giant Rheinmetall, to its export control list. This measure, effective immediately, prohibits the export of dual-use items and is a direct response to recent EU sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong firms over Russia.
EU ambassadors will examine a new Russia sanctions proposal Thursday after Greece vetoed previous measures over its fuel shipping industry. Ireland's proposal aims to break the deadlock, with talks focusing on implementation timelines and exemptions to drain Moscow's war chest.
EU ambassadors are making a new push to finalize the 21st Russia sanctions package, facing resistance from member states like Greece, Austria, Bulgaria, France, and Italy over energy, banking, and visa interests, despite Hungary's shift in stance.
Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President's special envoy and RDIF CEO, stated that the EU's economic crisis is rooted in anti-Russian sanctions and uncontrolled immigration, claiming sanctions have cost EU countries over €3 trillion.
Democratic lawmakers are urging Congress to block the revised Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, warning that the bill, championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, would impose tariffs up to 100% on imports from countries buying Russian oil and gas, leading to higher prices for American consumers and damaging trade relationships.
European officials anticipate no significant escalation of US pressure on Russia from President Trump, including new sanctions or military aid to Kiev. Bloomberg cited sources who also noted potential difficulties for a meeting between Trump and Zelensky at the NATO summit due to Trump's "volatility."
The United States has delisted four Indian companies—RRG Engineering Technologies, Lokesh Machines, Galaxy Bearings, and Shaurya Aeronautics—from its sanctions list. These firms were previously sanctioned in 2024 for allegedly supplying dual-use technology to Russia's military-industrial base, with no immediate reason provided for their removal.
Bulgaria's government, led by PM Rumen Radev, opposes key measures in the EU's latest Russia sanctions package, citing concerns over energy stability and what it sees as symbolic or religiously persecutory actions, such as sanctioning Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated that Bulgaria will not permit sanctions against Russia that would harm its economy. He also expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of EU sanctions and opposed measures targeting Patriarch Kirill.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced new energy sanctions against Russia, targeting its shadow fleet and finance networks, and a two-year deal to supply Ukraine's nuclear plants with enriched uranium, during the G7 summit.
The US House of Representatives passed the Ukraine Support Act, authorizing $1 billion in security/reconstruction aid and $8 billion in loans to Ukraine, along with stringent sanctions on Russia, despite facing a Senate uphill battle and a likely veto from President Trump.
Russia's Foreign Ministry sanctioned 17-year-old British student Alexander Browder, founder of the Global Cryptocurrency Laundering Database, for exposing alleged Moscow-backed crypto money laundering operations. He is believed to be the youngest person sanctioned by Russia.
Russia's Foreign Ministry announced retaliatory sanctions against five British journalists and experts, citing their involvement in spreading "disinformation" and "slanderous speculation" about Russia's policies and the Ukraine conflict. The move is a response to what Moscow calls "provocative anti-Russian rhetoric" and UK support for Ukraine.
Russia has imposed sanctions on five British journalists, banning them from entering the country. The Foreign Ministry cited the dissemination of 'slanderous fabrications and false information about the policies of the Russian leadership' as the reason.
The UK has issued a licence indefinitely allowing imports of diesel and jet fuel made from Russian crude oil if refined in third countries, reversing a ban imposed last year. The move comes amid fears of jet fuel shortages due to Middle East conflict and follows similar rollbacks in the US and EU.
EU leaders are considering extending the renewal period for sanctions against Russia from six months to a year. This move, discussed by diplomats, aims to strengthen the sanctions' credibility and reduce administrative burdens, especially after Hungary's former PM Viktor Orbán, who previously blocked such extensions, left office.
A bipartisan petition with 218 signatures will force a House vote on a bill providing over $1 billion in security aid to Ukraine and $8 billion in loans, despite concerns over timing as Russia launches a massive drone attack killing 6 and wounding dozens.
Florian Philippot of the Patriots party wants to lift Russia sanctions, claiming the EU energy ban is against France’s interests Read Full Article at RT.com
The EU adopted its 20th Russia sanctions package on April 23, 2025, adding 120 new listings and targeting crypto settlement infrastructure including service providers, decentralized platforms, ruble-backed tokens, payment agents, and digital rouble support. The package bans business with any Russian crypto asset service provider and covers decentralized platforms used to circumvent sanctions. It specifically targets A7A5 (TengriCoin/Meer.kg) and RUBx stablecoins, marking the EU's largest sanctions move against Russia in years with crypto restrictions among its most specific measures.
Margus Tsahkna said the restrictions will be "quite tough"
The European Union’s latest Russia sanctions package, its twentieth so far, brings crypto settlement squarely into an already fractured geopolitical spotlight. Adopted on April 23, the package adds 120 new listings and rolls out financial measures that touch just about every corner of Russia’s crypto scene. That includes service providers, decentralized trading platforms, ruble-backed tokens, […] The post EU sanctions Russian crypto usage for 20th time adding bans on digital rubles and anyone using Russian crypto services appeared first on CryptoSlate.
Beijing has warned Brussels that the EU will bear all consequences after the bloc included Chinese companies in its 20th sanctions package against Russia. China's commerce ministry expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition, accusing the EU of acting brazenly despite repeated objections. The package targets 20 Russian banks and includes anti-circumvention measures targeting third-country companies, including Chinese businesses. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that Europe faces pressure from the US, China and Russia simultaneously.
The EU approved a €90 billion loan for Ukraine and a 20th round of sanctions against Russia, ending a standoff that had blocked support for Kyiv. The loan will cover Ukraine's 2026-2027 financial needs with two-thirds for defence and the rest for budgetary support. Hungary and Slovakia dropped objections after oil flows resumed through the Druzhba pipeline. The sanctions target Russia's energy, banking and trade sectors and expand restrictions on Russia's shadow fleet.
EU leaders meet in Cyprus to discuss strengthening European defence, the potential activation of the Article 42.7 mutual assistance clause, and ongoing support for Ukraine. The summit also addresses energy price mitigation and the 'One Europe, One Market' reform plan.
