This Week in Defence — Brussels (#28, 2026)
EU announces 21st Russia sanctions package; further restrictions on Russian and Belarusian defence sectors; overhaul of oil, gas, and crypto regulations.
July 19, 2026 to July 25, 2026
EU announces 21st Russia sanctions package; further restrictions on Russian and Belarusian defence sectors; overhaul of oil, gas, and crypto regulations.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
EU adopts 21st package of sanctions against Russia
On 22 July 2026, the European Commission welcomed the adoption of the 21st package of sanctions targeting Russia. According to the Commission, the measures expand existing restrictions across energy, finance, trade, and the Russian military-industrial complex. The new package suspends the adaptation of the oil price cap until July 2027, extends bans on critical infrastructure linked to Russian military efforts, and introduces further controls on LNG tanker sales and services. Financial restrictions cover over 100 Russian and third-country banks, crypto-asset service providers, and crypto-linked firms, notably extending ownership and board prohibitions to Russian nationals. The sanctions list is extended by 218 additional individuals and entities, including key figures in military production and propaganda, bringing the total to nearly 3,000. Visa bans are also proposed for Russian combatants and ex-combatants, pending Council implementation.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1848 amending Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 on restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising Ukraine
Adopted on 23 July 2026, Regulation (EU) 2026/1848 (OJ L, 2026/1848) introduces extensive new restrictions in response to Russia’s continued aggression. The amendments extend the list of dual-use and military-relevant items, restrict LNG terminal services and exports, impose stricter controls on LNG tankers, and prohibit transactions with specified Russian refineries and crypto-asset providers. The regulation also includes expanded derogations for divestments from Russia, new bans on crypto-asset services managed by Russian nationals, and mechanisms for annual review and enforcement of LNG-related exemptions. CELEX: 32026R1848.
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1844 amending Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 concerning measures addressing Ukraine’s territorial integrity
Regulation (EU) 2026/1844, adopted 23 July 2026, modifies asset freeze provisions to add targeted derogations for specific payments due under pre-2022 contracts and pre-existing insurance liabilities. It introduces expanded safeguards for Union operators against recognition of Russian court judgments related to sanctions, and clarifies exemptions for nuclear safety and continued railway operation. The rule also provides for judicial recourse for EU entities affected by adverse foreign litigation. CELEX: 32026R1844.
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1846 amending Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 concerning restrictive measures in view of Belarus and its involvement in aggression against Ukraine
Regulation (EU) 2026/1846, adopted on 23 July 2026, amends existing measures to add four new entities linked to Belarus’s defence and security sectors and restrict items vital to military systems, including drones and specialist metals. The regulation expands prohibitions on crypto-asset services for Belarusian nationals and introduces new restrictions on imports and technology transfers. Derogations are updated to ensure civilian internet access and continued rail and electronic communications vital for Hungary. CELEX: 32026R1846.
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1817 implementing Article 8a(1) of Regulation (EC) No 765/2006 on Belarus
This implementing regulation, adopted 23 July 2026, adds two Belarusian legal persons to the list of individuals and entities subject to asset freezes and travel bans under Article 8a(1), following the Council’s decision to address Belarus’s ongoing support for military aggression in Ukraine. CELEX: 32026R1817.
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1843 implementing Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 concerning measures against Russia
Adopted on 23 July 2026, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1843 expands Annex I of Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 by introducing restrictive measures against an additional 48 persons and 168 entities. The action targets those deemed responsible for activities undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty. CELEX: 32026R1843.
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1845 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP on sanctions against Russia
This Council Decision further extends and refines asset freezes, adding new entities and individuals and modifying derogations to facilitate specific pre-existing contractual payments and enable vital transport and nuclear operations. It also includes measures preserving the effectiveness of sanctions by preventing recognition of Russian judicial actions in EU courts. CELEX: 32026D1845.
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1847 amending Decision 2012/642/CFSP on restrictive measures regarding Belarus
This Decision, adopted 23 July 2026, broadens the scope of goods and technology subject to restrictions, expands the ban for Belarusian nationals on roles in EU crypto-asset firms, and refreshes derogations for electronic communications. Additional goods and services are subjected to new controls, with the aim of countering Belarus’s military enhancement. CELEX: 32026D1847.
Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2026/1816 implementing Decision 2012/642/CFSP for Belarus
On 23 July 2026, the Council adopted new listings of two legal persons and four entities connected to the Belarusian defence sector, making them subject to trade and financial restrictions under Decision 2012/642/CFSP. CELEX: 32026D1816.
What We're Reading This Week
- What Zelensky’s new government reshuffle says about his election plans and next phase of the Ukraine war: Zelensky’s government shakeup signals strategic positioning for upcoming elections and a possible shift in Ukraine’s war approach.
- How Europe’s liberals are embracing the politics of security: Centrist parties across Europe are increasingly prioritizing security measures in response to rising public concerns over crime and migration.
- America’s reassurance mission at Farnborough: U.S. officials seek to strengthen defense ties and reassure allies amid global tensions at the major UK airshow.
- Britain’s new defense chief Streeting says Israel has ‘fallen short’ in Gaza: Britain's defense chief openly criticizes Israel's conduct in Gaza, signaling a tougher stance on humanitarian standards.
- Wes Streeting named to top UK defense role: Wes Streeting assumes leadership in UK defense, signaling potential shifts in national security strategy and military priorities.
