The European Union has expanded its sanctions regime to include an Azerbaijani-owned oil refinery operating in Turkey. The move is part of broader efforts to prevent Russian crude oil from entering European markets through third countries.
According to an EU foreign policy representative, the sanctions against the STAR refinery aim to close loopholes that could allow Russian oil to circumvent existing restrictions. The measures are designed to reduce Russia’s capacity to fund military operations by limiting its energy export revenues.
The refinery, owned by Azerbaijan’s state oil company, has become the latest facility affected by the EU’s ongoing economic pressure campaign against Moscow. Energy analysts note that the sanctions expansion reflects Brussels’ determination to tighten enforcement against entities potentially facilitating the transit of Russian petroleum products.
Industry observers suggest the decision could have significant implications for regional energy flows and refining operations, potentially forcing the affected facility to seek alternative crude suppliers outside the Russian market.
