Commission Unveils 21st Russia Sanctions Package — Asset Freezes on ~90 Banks, Fisheries Sanctions Debut

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented the EU's 21st sanctions package against Russia on June 9, 2026. The package proposes asset freezes on close to 90 Russian banks plus transaction bans on over 30 additional banks in Russia and third countries, and targets 20 third-country entities — including banks, crypto platforms, and oil traders — accused of facilitating sanctions circumvention. It adds 30 vessels to the shadow-fleet listings and expands the criteria for future vessel designations, with any ship refuelling a blacklisted vessel now itself exposed to sanctions. Export restrictions on aerospace/defence metals, alloys, and drone components (ground support equipment, jamming and launch systems) were widened, and — for the first time — the package proposes sanctions on Russian fisheries, including a complete ban on cod imports. The Council was expected to decide on adoption by 15 July 2026.