Abstract
In response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the EU adopted a series of unprecedented ‘massive and
targeted sanctions’ against the Russian economy. Whereas the EU has clarified that its restrictive measures
are not directed against Russian society, it is has stated that it seeks to ‘diminish’ the Russia economy and
‘cripple’ its ability to finance the war. Such measures recall economic warfare, where the adversary’s economy is targeted in order to weaken it and, if successful, would undoubtedly have an impact on Russian
people. Moreover, the sanctions have had repercussions on third states and economic
operators. Applying the proportionality principle, the article finds that the restrictive measures the EU
has imposed on Russia in response to its aggressive war in Ukraine are disproportionate due to their
impact on third parties.