The European Union is considering imposing secondary sanctions against countries that help Russia circumvent existing sanctions, according to reports from August 27, 2025. EU foreign ministers will meet in Copenhagen later this week to discuss the activation of an anti-circumvention mechanism adopted in 2023 but not yet used.
This mechanism would allow the EU to restrict exports, supplies, or transfers of certain goods to third countries believed to be aiding Russia in evading sanctions. The discussions come amid preparations for the EU's 19th package of sanctions against Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The 19th sanctions package is expected to include new restrictions targeting individuals involved in the abduction of Ukrainian children, as well as additional sanctions on Russia's oil and gas and financial sectors. Separate informal talks among EU foreign ministers will address import and export controls on Russian goods.
Sources cited by Bloomberg and other media outlets indicate that the EU has historically been reluctant to impose secondary sanctions but now appears to have reached the limits of direct sanctions against Russia. The move aims to close loopholes that allow Russia to bypass restrictions through third-party countries.
These developments align with efforts by the United States and other Western partners to tighten enforcement of sanctions and prevent indirect support to Russia's economy and military operations. The EU's discussions in Copenhagen on August 29-30, 2025, will be crucial in determining the bloc's next steps in sanction policy.
Ukraine has submitted proposals to Brussels on measures to be included in the new sanctions list, emphasizing the need to target entities facilitating Russia's circumvention of restrictions. The EU's sanctions coordinator, Vladyslav Vlasyuk, has confirmed ongoing preparations for the upcoming package.
Overall, the EU's consideration of secondary sanctions marks a significant shift in its approach to sanction enforcement, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of its restrictive measures against Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
