In 2025, international sanctions against Russian companies have significantly intensified due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The primary focus is on the energy, financial, and defense sectors, as well as efforts to circumvent sanctions. Below are the key aspects of sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union (EU), and other countries.
Key Sanctions Measures
1. U.S. Sanctions
2. EU Sanctions
3. Other Countries
- Energy Sector: On January 10, 2025, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) added major oil and gas companies, such as PAO Gazprom Neft and PAO Surgutneftegaz, along with their subsidiaries, to the SDN List. These include OOO Gazprom Neft Shelf, AO Gazpromneft-Moskovsky NPZ, AO Gazpromneft-Aero, OOO Gazpromneft-Vostok, TOO Gazprom Neft-Kazakhstan, and Gazprom Neft International SA (Luxembourg). Additionally, LNG terminals Portovaya and Kriogaz Vysotsk, and the Vostok Oil project were listed. Basis: activities in Russia’s energy sector. Source: OFAC Press Release, January 10, 2025
- Financial Sector: On January 15, 2025, OFAC added companies involved in payment schemes for sanctioned goods, including OOO Gerbarium Office Management and Paylink Limited, to the SDN List. Source: OFAC Press Release, January 15, 2025
- Maritime Sector: Over 183 vessels linked to the "shadow fleet" for transporting Russian and Iranian oil, along with companies tied to PAO Sovcomflot, were added to the SDN List. Source: OFAC, January 10, 2025
2. EU Sanctions
- 16th Sanctions Package (adopted February 24, 2025): Imposed a ban on Russian aluminum imports (HS code 7601) with a transitional period until the end of 2026, restrictions on construction services, and the transfer of intellectual property. Thirty-five entities, including Almaz-Antey, Rostec, UMMC, and FTI im. A.F. Ioffe, were added to the sanctions list. Source: Official Journal of the EU, February 24, 2025
- 17th Sanctions Package (in preparation): Expected to be adopted in May 2025, focusing on the energy and financial sectors. Source: European Commission Statement, April 24, 2025
3. Other Countries
- United Kingdom: Bans on importing Russian diamonds and helium, and restrictions on technology exports. Source: UK Government, April 25, 2025
- Australia: Sanctions against 35 Russian energy companies. Source: Australian Government, February 24, 2025
Consequences
- Economic Pressure: Sanctions restrict access to international capital markets, technologies, and financial systems, with 13 Russian banks disconnected from SWIFT as of March 17, 2025.
- Russia’s Adaptation: Russia mitigates the impact through trade with China, India, Turkey, and the UAE, but the SDN List significantly hampers international operations.
Conclusion
Sanctions against Russian companies in 2025 aim to weaken Russia’s economic foundation, targeting the energy and financial sectors while addressing circumvention efforts. For up-to-date information, check OFAC’s website and EU publications.
