The European Union (EU) has launched its toughest sanctions yet against Russia. These new actions are part of the EU’s 18th package since the war in Ukraine began. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced these measures during a press briefing, describing them as “robust” and “hard-biting.”
A major goal is to hit Russia’s energy earnings. Oil prices should be capped at $45 per barrel instead of $60, according to the EU. As a result, Russia’s oil sales revenue would be constrained. Additionally, von der Leyen suggested a complete prohibition on the use of the Nord Stream pipelines, which were constructed to transport gas from Russia to Germany. Although these pipelines were damaged, the EU now wants to officially block any future use.
Another big step includes stopping the sale of oil products made from Russian crude in other countries. Von der Leyen said this would prevent oil from coming into Europe “through the back door.”
Also, the EU plans to block 77 more ships from entering EU ports. These vessels are believed to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” used to secretly move oil and avoid sanctions.
Europe is Targeting Russian Banks
The EU is also targeting Russia’s financial system. A total of 22 additional Russian banks will be disconnected from the SWIFT international banking network. This move will make it very hard for these banks to do business globally. The current partial ban on financial transactions will now become a complete block.
Ursula von der Leyen made it clear that the goal is to cut Russia off from global banking, saying, “The Russian economy is already buckling under our previous measures, and this new package will hit even harder.”
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The EU will also place sanctions on the Russian Direct Investment Fund, which is a state-run fund used to support and modernize Russia’s economy. Blocking this fund is meant to stop Russia from using its wealth to strengthen its industries during the war.
The head of the EU’s foreign policy, Kaja Kallas, was next to von der Leyen when the news was made. She branded the war “outright illegal” and firmly backed the sanctions, saying, “It is clear that Russia does not want peace.” Russia is “cruel, aggressive, and a danger to us all,” Kallas continued.
Ban on Industrial Goods and Military Technology
In addition to targeting oil and banking, the EU is banning the export of industrial goods worth €2.5 billion. These include machinery, metals, plastics, and chemicals. All of these are used as raw materials in Russia’s industries. The goal is to block Russia’s access to key components it needs to keep its factories and military production running.
A special focus is also being put on dual-use technology. This includes items that can be used both for civilian use and in making drones, missiles, or other weapons. This would ensure that “Russia does not find ways to modernize its weapons with European technologies,” according to von der Leyen.
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A deal on the new sanctions package is expected soon. According to Ignacy Niemczycki, Poland’s Secretary of State for European Affairs, talks among EU ambassadors have already started. He said, “I am optimistic we can succeed.”
The EU’s actions come just days before the G7 summit in Canada, where world leaders—including Ukraine—will discuss global security. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has also been traveling across Europe to rally support for even stronger measures, including a steep 500% tariff on countries that still buy Russian fossil fuels. The White House has not officially backed that plan yet.
As it stands, von der Leyen pointed out that Russia used to earn €12 billion per month from energy exports to Europe before the invasion. That figure has now dropped to just €1.8 billion. The EU believes its latest measures will reduce this income even further and increase pressure on Moscow to end the war.
