Vladimir Putin. Photo credit- PTI
In the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the European Union (EU) has prepared the draft of its 21st sanctions package to break the back of Russia’s economy. This new action plan is going to have a direct impact not only on Russia, but also on about 50 important companies of India, China, UAE and Turkey. If this proposal gets the final approval of the European member countries, then Indian exporters doing business with Russia will have to go through a web of stringent rules. Under this new decision, 90 Russian banks, oil traders, drone manufacturers and shadow fleets have been targeted. This will not only affect the global business of these companies, but can also completely change the existing equations of the international market.
Tension among Indian businessmen is going to increase
In the recent past, India has taken trade with Russia to a record level in the fields of energy, machinery and industrial products. But now Europe’s new order may put a brake on this pace. It will prove to be a difficult task for Indian companies falling under the new restrictions to acquire European technology, equipment or any sensitive product. The road ahead is going to be rocky for businessmen directly associated with Russia. They will now have to face additional scrutiny from foreign agencies at every step.
Energy sales keep Russia’s war machine running. We want to cut this cashflow.
We will introduce a temporary freeze of the Russian oil price cap and new restrictions on the resale of LNG tankers to Russia.
Our work on curbing the operations of Russia’s shadow fleet continues,
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) June 9, 2026
Full proof plan to break Russia’s back
The eyes of the European Union are now directly focused on Russia’s economic capability to fight the war. European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas has made it clear that this new war is to weaken Russia’s ‘war economy’. Under this package, a blueprint is ready to freeze the assets of about 90 Russian banks. Apart from this, strict transaction restrictions are going to be imposed on more than 30 banks. The matter is not limited to banks only. Along with oil traders, refineries, arms manufacturers, 11 crypto platforms have also been put on the radar. There is full preparation to ban the sale of LNG gas tankers to hit the earnings from Russian oil.
Tight security from ships to drones
The ‘shadow fleet’ (vessels working secretly) which Russia uses to avoid sanctions is also going to be targeted. 30 such ships defying the sanctions are being blacklisted. The ships that help them will also not be spared. Apart from this, two major ports and four airports of Russia are also being included in this sanctions list. Strict action will be taken against more than 30 drone manufacturing companies and the network that supplies military goods. There is a plan to completely ban the export of special metals, chemicals and car parts used in war.
