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EU to Target Chinese Firms in New Sanctions Over Russian Oil Trade

Oct 23, 2025, 3:40 a.m. ET

The European Union’s latest sanctions package against Russia will include four companies — among them a Chinese trading firm and two independent Chinese oil refineries — accused of helping Moscow bypass Western restrictions on oil trade.

EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan said Beijing continues to insist its dealings with Russia constitute “normal trade,” a stance that clashes with the West’s view that China plays a key role in enabling Russia to skirt sanctions.

Expected to be the bloc’s most economically significant sanctions round yet, the EU’s 19th package follows earlier measures targeting Chinese drone makers and suppliers of dual-use goods to Russia. In July, Brussels blacklisted two small Chinese banks, prompting retaliatory action by Beijing against two Lithuanian lenders.

Despite the mounting restrictions from both the U.S. and Europe, Russian oil exports have remained resilient. China remains the largest buyer of Russian crude, even as U.S. President Donald Trump warns of severe repercussions for countries, including China and India, that continue to import large volumes of Russian oil.

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