EU Approves 250 Russia Sanctions Amid Stalled 21st Package

European Union foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on July 13 and 14, 2026, approved the addition of approximately 250 individuals and entities to sanctions lists. Kaja Kallas, the EU high representative, described the expansion as the largest single listing since the invasion of Ukraine and a direct response to Russian attacks on civilians. The EU also imposed restrictive measures on entities linked to the Russian Federal Security Service and the SORM surveillance system, while coordinating with Britain to sanction the GRU intelligence agency for cyberattacks.

Despite these additions, the broader 21st sanctions package remains stalled due to a lack of unanimity. Disagreements persist over a proposal to freeze the Russian oil price cap at $44.10 per barrel, which is opposed by Cyprus, Greece, and Malta. Other points of contention include a proposed entry ban on Russian fighters, facing reservations from France and Italy, and a ban on Alaskan Pollock imports opposed by Germany. Bulgaria successfully lobbied for the removal of three individuals, including Patriarch Kirill, from the proposed list.

Kallas stated that member states are quite close to an agreement but warned of a Plan B if a deal is not reached by Wednesday. Failure to agree would force the EU to raise its oil price cap to align with international prices, potentially increasing Russian oil revenues. In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the cyberattack accusations as baseless and illegal, claiming Russia has adapted to thousands of existing sanctions.