EU Approves 19th Sanctions Package on Russia, Including Ban on LNG Imports

European Union member states on Wednesday approved a 19th package of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine, featuring a phased ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, the Danish presidency of the EU announced.

“We are very pleased to announce that we have just been notified by the remaining member state that it’s now able to lift its reservation on the 19th sanctions package,” the Danish presidency said in a statement.

Slovakia was the final holdout, with Prime Minister Robert Fico seeking assurances from the European Commission on energy prices and flexibility in climate targets for the automotive and heavy industries. A Slovak diplomat said the country’s concerns were addressed through new clauses added to the draft communique for Thursday’s EU leaders’ summit.

A written approval process is now underway, and barring objections, the sanctions package will be formally adopted by 8 a.m. Thursday.

Under the new measures, short-term LNG contracts with Russia will end after six months, while long-term contracts will cease from January 1, 2027—one year ahead of the European Commission’s original timeline for ending the bloc’s dependence on Russian fossil fuels.

The package also includes expanded travel restrictions on Russian diplomats and blacklists 117 additional vessels from Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet,” bringing the total to 558. Several banks in Kazakhstan and Belarus are also targeted.

EU diplomatic sources told Reuters that four China-linked oil entities—two refineries, a trading firm, and one company accused of aiding sanctions evasion—will be added to the list, though their names will remain undisclosed until official adoption.

Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak welcomed the move, saying many of Kyiv’s proposals were included. “But we are not stopping. Package No. 20 is already in the works,” Yermak wrote on Telegram. “The logic is simple — less money in Russia means fewer missiles in Ukraine.”