Asger Risom
The European Commission has unveiled its 18th sanctions package against Russia, aiming at energy revenues, military suppliers, and banks involved in evading previous restrictions.
As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, the European Union is tightening its economic grip on Moscow.
The European Commission has announced a new wave of sanctions designed to strike at the heart of Russia’s war economy, underscoring the EU’s shift toward firmer, coordinated action.
Russia’s Energy Lifeline in the Crosshairs
As reported by Hotnews.ro, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed Tuesday that the new measures would prohibit transactions involving the Nord Stream pipelines and penalize banks accused of helping Russia bypass existing sanctions.
She emphasized that “power is the only language Russia will understand,” framing the move as a direct response to ongoing aggression.
A key feature of the proposal is a lowered price cap on Russian crude oil. The EU seeks to cut the current G7-imposed ceiling from 60 to 45 dollars per barrel.
The adjustment, von der Leyen noted, will be discussed at the upcoming G7 summit, with an aim to maintain unity across allied economies.
Expanding the Pressure Points
Beyond energy exports, the proposed sanctions list several new targets.
These include ships linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” as well as oil trading firms suspected of operating in defiance of previous restrictions. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed the scope of the measures: “The next round will target Russia’s energy revenues, its military industry, and its banking sector.”
The Commission’s efforts come as Russia intensifies its drone campaigns across Ukraine. Overnight strikes this week hit Kyiv and a maternity hospital in Odesa, killing one person and causing widespread damage.
Moscow claims these are retaliatory actions for recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian airbases.
While diplomatic solutions remain elusive, the EU’s latest move signals an intent to sustain long-term pressure and cut off the financial channels fueling the war.