EU extends sanctions on banks in Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

The European Union has imposed restrictions on financial transactions with banks in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan as part of the 19th package of anti-Russian sanctions. VTB's branch in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz banks Tolubai and Eurasian Savings Bank, and Tajik banks Dushanbe City Bank, Spitamen and Commerzbank were banned.

The list also includes branches of VTB, Sber and Alfa Bank in Belarus, banks BelVEB and Belgazprombank, as well as the Payeer payment system. The restrictions will take effect in November and December 2025.

The new sanctions package includes a ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas by 2027, blacklisting of 117 tankers in Russia's "shadow fleet," a complete ban on transactions with Rosneft and Gazpromneft, and sanctions against 45 entities that the EU says are helping Russia circumvent the restrictions, including 12 companies from China and Hong Kong.

The new sanctions package includes a ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas by 2027, a blacklisting of 117 tankers in Russia's "shadow fleet," a complete ban on transactions with Rosneft and Gazpromneft, and sanctions against 45 entities the EU says are helping Russia circumvent the restrictions, including 12 companies from China and Hong Kong.