Key takeaways
EU sanctions against Russia
Latest sanctions package is single largest set of listings since 2022.
UK sanctions against Russia
Latest designations include 12 shadow fleet tankers.
Trump-Putin diesel deal
US has issued broad sanctions waiver for Russian diesel until April 2027.
EU
On 12 October 2026, the EU Council adopted additional restrictive measures against 1,569 individuals and entities in Russia’s military and industrial complex. The listings include 826 Russian companies and 743 CEOs of those companies.
It is reported that this is the single largest set of listings ever approved by the EU and it brings the total number of listings under the Russia sanctions regime to almost 4,600.
This action follows on from the EU Council (on 18 and 19 June 2026) calling for an escalation of pressure on Russia, including through the adoption of further trade and economic sanctions. Since then, the EU has emphasised that the autumn of 2026 would bring its largest sanctions package so far against Russia since the Ukraine war started.
This latest round of sanctions specifically targets mid-level suppliers that represent the core of the Russian military industry, generating an annual turnover of at least €20 billion and employing more than 250,000 people.
The listed companies are said to be suppliers of key components to some of Russia’s most advanced weapons systems including missiles, UAVs and aircrafts.
Those listed under these latest sanctions package are subject to an asset freeze. The provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to them or for their benefit is prohibited. In addition, a travel ban to the EU applies to the natural persons listed.
Whilst these most recent listings do not specifically target Russia’s shadow fleet, the EU continues to caution against the political, economic and environmental risks associated with vessels in the shadow fleet.
The EU has so far imposed sanctions on approximately 670 vessels. It has also during 2026 conducted six inspections of vessels suspected to be part of the shadow fleet.
Additionally, on 12 October 2026, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, warned of the threat of a large-scale oil disaster off European coastlines due to the shadow fleet. Ms Kallas highlighted that these vessels are usually old, poorly maintained and lack adequate insurance cover. She expressed the view that shadow fleet vessels are “environmental time bombs”.
Ms Kallas also referred to EU diplomatic measures, including requests to African countries to remove hundreds of vessels from their ship registries. As Ms Kallas highlighted, a tanker that loses its flag becomes more vulnerable to inspections and detention. The tanker will also find that insurers, banks and traders will be reluctant to provide services to the tanker.
US
Ms Kallas has expressed concern regarding the Trump-Putin diesel deal, pursuant to which it is envisaged that Russia will release 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the US and global markets immediately, with an additional 500,000 tonnes in November and one million more after that. To facilitate the arrangement, the US issued a broad sanctions waiver for Russian diesel until April 2027.
Notwithstanding the US position, the EU has confirmed it will continue to exert pressure on Russia, including through sanctions.
UK
On 8 October 2026, the UK announced 38 new sanctions designations targeting entities and individuals believed to:
(i) produce or transport Russian oil,
(ii) facilitate the production or global trade of items used to support Russia’s ballistic missile capabilities and military industrial base or
(iii) be involved in circumventing sanctioned financial services.
The 38 new designations include two Russian oil companies, 12 shadow fleet tankers, and those supplying goods critical to Russia’s military. The UK has now sanctioned over 600 shadow fleet vessels.
Also targeted are three crypto exchanges and two payment platforms, which are said to be used by Russia to circumvent sanctions.
The listings include 17 entities and individuals thought to be involved in the supply of Common High Priority (CHP) goods deemed to be vital for the continuation of the Ukraine war.
Our Sanctions team regularly produces updates on the evolving international sanctions landscape. Read our latest update covering new UK sanctions announced on 1 October 2026.
