The European Union (EU) has approved its 21st sanctions package against Russia. The list of entities subject to strengthened export restrictions includes companies registered in Kazakhstan.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE NEW RESTRICTIONS
According to data from the EU Council, under the 21st sanctions package, 51 companies have been added to the list of entities facing stricter export restrictions on dual-use goods and technologies, some of which are based in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China (including Hong Kong), India, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In the EU's view, these entities help Russia circumvent export restrictions, including those on microelectronics, computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
WHICH COMPANIES ARE MENTIONED
Among the companies registered in Kazakhstan added to the new list are «TauKZ» (Astana) and «KBR-Technologies» (Petropavlovsk).
According to Forbes Kazakhstan, the new EU restrictions are not the first for these two Kazakh companies.
LLP «KBR-Technologies», whose main activity is listed as wholesale trade of a wide range of goods, was included in the sanctions list of the US Department of the Treasury on 12 June 2024. According to US authorities, the company provided material or technological support to a number of Russian enterprises involved in the supply of industrial and electronic equipment.
LLP «TauKZ», which is engaged in wholesale trade of other machinery and equipment, was included in the UK sanctions list on 7 November 2024. According to British authorities, the company supplied goods or technologies that could contribute to Russia's activities against Ukraine. The UK imposed an asset freeze and restrictions on the provision of trust services on «TauKZ».
According to information from Forbes Kazakhstan, the inclusion of companies in Annex IV to EU Regulation No 833/2014 means the application of tightened restrictions on the supply of dual-use goods and technologies. However, inclusion in this list does not automatically mean the freezing of companies' assets.
WHAT MEASURES THE EUROPEAN UNION HAS INTRODUCED
According to the EU Council document, in addition to entities with strengthened export restrictions, the new sanctions package includes 170 organisations and 48 individuals whom the EU considers linked to Russian authorities.
The restrictions also target banks, cryptocurrency services, drone manufacturers, military equipment producers, and oil refineries. Furthermore, 41 vessels have been added to the list which the EU considers part of Russia's shadow fleet.
The statement also reaffirms unwavering support for Ukraine, its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
CONTEXT
This is not the first time the European Union has included companies from Kazakhstan in sanctions lists related to Russia. Similar decisions have been made previously within the framework of earlier restriction packages.
For example, in 2024, the sanctions list included LLP «Elem Group», which the European side linked to the possible circumvention of trade restrictions.
In April 2026, the EU approved its 20th sanctions package against Russia, which included companies from Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan.
