BRUSSELS, Belgium — The European Union announced on Monday its 20th package of sanctions against Russia, introducing a complete ban on the import of traditional Matryoshka dolls. Officials said the move aims to further “limit the flow of symbolic goods” from Moscow.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the new restrictions demonstrate the EU’s “unshakable unity” against Russian aggression. The sanctions also include tighter export controls on luxury items and advanced technology.
According to the European Commission, the latest measures target “both the economic and cultural influence” of the Kremlin. Analysts noted that while oil and gas bans had financial impact, the cultural sanctions show growing determination in Brussels.
In many European cities, stores have already begun removing the wooden dolls from their shelves. Polish customs officers confirmed they intercepted several shipments at the border this week.
Experts in Brussels now say that after 20 sanction rounds, “the end of the war may finally be in sight.” Still, tourists looking for souvenirs in Paris or Rome will now find empty shelves where Matryoshkas once smiled.
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