EU adopts 21st Russia sanctions package with national exemptions weakening measures (osw.waw.pl)

• EU freezes the oil price cap at $44.10 per barrel for one year and sanctions more than 90 Russian banks, including Rosselkhozbank and the Moscow Exchange.
• A Greek-backed one-year derogation lets EU companies keep transporting Russian LNG to third countries, securing Yamal LNG's Arctic export logistics.
• The package omits bans on Russian fish imports and Patriarch Kirill; a legal basis for barring Russian military personnel was created but implementation is pending.

"The EU adopted on 23 July its 21st sanctions package against Russia, after nearly two months of negotiations that diluted the European Commission's original proposal. The package freezes the oil price cap at $44.10 per barrel for one year, blacklists more than 90 Russian banks including Rosselkhozbank and the Moscow Exchange, targets the A7A5 cryptocurrency, and restricts metal ore imports. A Greek-backed derogation lets EU companies keep transporting Russian LNG for one year, protecting Dynagas's Arctic fleet and Yamal LNG. Obstacles from Bulgaria, Germany, Portugal and Mediterranean states removed proposed bans on Patriarch Kirill, Russian fish imports and Russian military personnel entry. The EU confirmed the LNG import embargo for 1 January 2027."