EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presents the new sanctions package against Russia.Image: keystone
June 9, 2026, 2:47 p.mJune 9, 2026, 2:47 p.m
The next EU sanctions package against Russia is expected to include a comprehensive visa ban for Russian soldiers.
“We propose to ban entry into the EU for anyone who has served in the Russian armed forces since the beginning of the war,” announced EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels. Europe should remain closed to anyone involved in the invasion of Ukraine.
Von der Leyen also announced that further sanctions would hit the financial and energy sectors and, for the first time, fishing companies. In order to limit Russia’s income from oil exports, it is planned, among other things, to suspend the regular adjustment of the oil price cap until January next year. This would otherwise have to be increased due to the increased world market prices as a result of the Iran war and the extensive blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.
Hope for a strong deterrent effect
In addition, other ships, banks, crypto companies and oil traders from Russia and supporting states are to be added to the list of actors with whom EU companies are not allowed to do business. Regarding the planned option of a ban on crypto services for certain third countries that circumvent sanctions, von der Leyen said: “This will have a strong deterrent effect on countries that host platforms that help Russia circumvent our sanctions.”
The cod, also known as cod, will soon no longer be available from Russian nets in the EU.Image: DPA
Furthermore, restrictions on the import of certain fishery products are to be introduced for the first time. Among other things, the import of cod could be completely banned. There will be expansions in export restrictions for goods and technologies used by Russia’s military industry. “For example, we are targeting other metals and alloys that are used in the aerospace and defense sectors,” said von der Leyen.
Von der Leyen: Russia’s economy is slowing down significantly
Regarding the current situation in Russia, von der Leyen said that four years after the start of the large-scale invasion, the country has clearly failed to subjugate Ukraine and the price that Russia is paying is getting higher every day. People have to mourn the loss of sons, brothers and husbands and are also confronted with a declining standard of living. “Inflation is almost six percent. The interest rate is 14.5 percent. Taxes are going up,” she said.
The EU sanctions also had a harsh effect. For example, Russian energy revenues fell by around 40 percent at the beginning of 2026. «Russia’s economy is slowing down significantly. Growth is sluggish at best. “The budget is coming under increasing pressure,” she said.
Part of the sanctions should be decided next Monday at a meeting of EU foreign ministers, the other part could then take place in the coming weeks after the necessary votes. (nil/sda/dpa)