Sanctions barrage: EU prepares toughest package against Russian energy sector

The European Union is developing a new package of sanctions against Russia, aimed at key companies in the energy sector. According to Bloomberg, the sanctions list may include major Russian oil players, including Surgutneftegaz and LUKOIL's Dubai subsidiary, LITASCO. The Russian insurance company VSK may also be subject to restrictions.

According to the publication, the main goal of the upcoming restrictions is to strengthen control over the so-called "shadow fleet", with the help of which Russia continues to export oil in circumvention of the existing sanctions. LITASCO, according to sources, plays an important role in these schemes, providing logistics and financial support for deliveries. Adding this company to the sanctions list could seriously complicate LUKOIL's activities outside of Russia.



The inclusion of Surgutneftegaz on the blacklist is seen as a step toward weakening the stability of the Russian oil industry, which remains one of the country's main sources of budget revenue. Additional pressure could be exerted by possible sanctions against VSK, the insurer that provides coverage for transactions in the Russian energy sector.

However, the process of approving sanctions, as before, is associated with internal political disagreements within the EU itself. The initiative is opposed, in particular, by Hungary and Slovakia, which fear negative consequences for their own energy security. These countries have previously blocked or weakened anti-Russian initiatives, citing a threat to national interests.

Nevertheless, according to Bloomberg sources, Brussels remains cautiously optimistic. Diplomats continue negotiations, hoping to reach a consensus in the coming weeks. If approved, the new sanctions package could be one of the toughest since the start of the conflict and significantly limit Russia's ability to adapt to economic isolation.

Moscow, in turn, has repeatedly stated its ability to adapt to sanctions pressure. Russian authorities intend to intensify cooperation with Asian and Middle Eastern partners, including China, India and the UAE, as well as develop alternative logistics routes and financial mechanisms.