In response to Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine, the EU has put in place unprecedented sanctions designed to
- reduce the Kremlin’s ability to finance the war
- impose clear economic and political costs on Russia’s political elite
- diminish Russia’s economic base
“Our sanctions are eroding sharply Russia’s economic base, slashing any prospect to modernize it. We will continue to put pressure on Russia and on those supporting it on the battlefield. We will continue going after Putin’s cronies. And we will go after those helping Russia to circumvent sanctions or replenish its war arsenal.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
A comprehensive approach to sanctions
Impact of sanctions
These measures are smart and coordinated with our allies. They target the Russian political elite and are imposing a direct cost on Russia for its war of aggression, whilst also damaging Russia’s industrial and economic ability to wage war, manufacture more weapons, and repair existing weapons systems. The sanctions deprive the Russian army and its suppliers of the goods and equipment needed to wage its war on sovereign Ukrainian territory.
None of the EU’s sanctions adopted against Russia prevent the supply of agri-food, medical equipment or medicines for the general population. Agricultural machinery per se is also not subject to any export ban.
None of the sanctions target the trade in agricultural and food products, including cereals and fertilisers, between third countries and Russia.
Related links
EU sanctions whistleblower tool
EU restrictive measures against Belarus
Share this article:
EU Reporter publishes articles from a variety of outside sources which express a wide range of viewpoints. The positions taken in these articles are not necessarily those of EU Reporter.

