The European Union on Thursday adopted its 21st sanctions package against Russia, expanding restrictions on banks, cryptocurrency networks, oil trade, the shadow fleet and energy revenues as it steps up pressure over the war in Ukraine. The package adds 218 new designations, including 170 entities and 48 individuals, making it the bloc's largest sanctions round in four years and taking the total number of listings to nearly 3,000.
The measures are aimed at tightening pressure on Russia's financial system, which EU officials see as increasingly vulnerable. A European intelligence report seen by Reuters in June warned that Russia faces the risk of an "explosive" banking crisis.
