EU Eases Sanctions to Allow Transit of Kazakhstan's Coal via Russian Ports

Kazakhstan has reached an agreement with the European Union to amend the latest sanctions package against Russia, allowing Kazakhstan's coal exports to bypass the restrictions, Orda.kz reports.

According to the Ministry of Trade and Integration (MTI), in February, the EU introduced a full ban on transactions with several Russian ports as part of its 16th sanctions package. However, some of those ports — including Ust-Luga — are used to ship Kazakhstan's coal to Europe.

Kazakh diplomats held consultations with EU leadership and secured amendments in the new package.

Following the negotiations held within the framework of the 18th package of sanctions, the European side introduced amendments providing for an exception from the ban on transactions with certain Russian ports for the transit of Kazakhstan's coal,  noted the MTI.

The exemptions apply only when the coal is mined in Kazakhstan, owned by a non-sanctioned entity, and transported through Russian ports solely as a transit point — without involving Russian purchase or production.

From January to May 2025, Kazakhstan exported 1.6 million tons of coal to the EU worth $82.9 million, according to MTI data. EU countries account for 38.5% of Kazakhstan's coal exports.

Earlier, in response to EU sanctions, Russia imposed new requirements on foreign tankers entering its ports. 

Original Author: Nikita Drobny