The European Union has approved a new sanctions package against Russia, its strongest yet in connection with the ongoing war in Ukraine. The move targets Russia’s energy sector, including a lower oil price cap and a ban on transactions with Nord Stream gas pipelines. It also hits Russian banks and ships, aiming to restrict the Kremlin’s ability to raise funds or carry out financial transactions.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the sanctions package is a clear message that Europe will not back down in its support for Ukraine. “The EU will keep raising the pressure until Russia ends its war,” she stated.
Ukraine’s newly appointed Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko welcomed the move, saying it strengthens the pressure on Russia to end the conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed support, calling for an immediate halt to Russian attacks.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the EU is “keeping up the pressure on Russia” following the announcement. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the sanctions as illegal, claiming they create negative consequences for countries backing them.
The new sanctions package comes as European countries begin buying US weapons for Ukraine, aiming to improve its defense capabilities. The move follows earlier threats by US President Donald Trump to impose steep tariffs on Russia unless a peace deal is reached within 50 days.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/18/eu-hits-russian-oil-shadow-fleet-with-new-sanctions-over-ukraine-war