EU on the brink of finalizing a new round of sanctions bargain
In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the European Union (EU) has introduced an 18th sanctions package aimed at tightening the economic noose around Moscow. The proposed measures, unveiled by the European Commission on June 10, 2025, target several key areas, including oil exports, financial institutions, and related sectors.
The main focus of the new sanctions is to lower the price cap on Russian oil, a move designed to reduce revenue that funds Russia's war efforts. The EU is also planning to expand the blacklist of financial institutions linked to Russia and introduce secondary sanctions that target entities helping Russia circumvent existing sanctions.
Additional measures include targeting the shadow fleet of oil tankers, Nord Stream pipelines, banking, and military sectors, as well as companies in third countries that aid Russia. The EU is also proposing a gradual phase-out of Russian gas and oil imports by the end of 2027, requiring member states to submit diversification plans to break energy dependencies on Russia.
Oil remains a major source of income for Russia, accounting for about a third of the government’s revenue that supports the war in Ukraine. The EU's ambitious plan, if approved, could significantly impact Russia's war financing capacity. However, internal challenges persist, with countries like Hungary and Slovakia showing reluctance to approve more stringent measures, potentially complicating unanimous agreement within the EU.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that the country will provide "complete information" about the course of the war and Russia's military capabilities before the visit of US special envoy Keith Kellogg. The goal, according to Zelenskyy, is to achieve a "full understanding in America" of what is needed "to force Russia to peace."
Zelensky also stated that domestic weapons production in Ukraine is being massively expanded, with around 40 percent of the material used in Ukraine currently produced there. In a bold move, Zelensky announced that Ukraine will conduct new long-range attacks against Russian territory and plans to transfer the war to Russian territory.
However, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Governor Oleh Hryhorow has urged the population to avoid trips near the border due to the enemy systematically attacking civilian vehicles there. A recent Russian drone attack near the village of Stetshkyvka in the Ukrainian region of Sumy resulted in the death of a civilian and the injury of another.
As the EU works towards adopting the 18th sanctions package, the situation in Ukraine remains a critical focus. The EU's commitment to support Ukraine "for as long as it takes" is reinforced, alongside efforts to pressure Russia economically through sanctions. Republican US Senator Lindsey Graham expects a massive influx of weapons deliveries to Ukraine in the coming days.
In a separate development, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing to discuss "relations with the United States and prospects for a solution to the Ukraine crisis." Other topics of the meeting included "the Israeli-Iranian conflict and the situation on the Korean Peninsula."
[1] European Commission (2025). Proposal for an 18th EU sanctions package against Russia. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/business-economy-euro/documents/10030_en_act_part1_v12_mai2025.pdf [2] European Council (2025). EU leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine at July 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome. Retrieved from https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/07/20/eu-leaders-reaffirm-support-for-ukraine-at-july-2025-ukraine-recovery-conference-in-rome/ [3] European Commission (2025). Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the phasing out of Russian gas and oil imports by 2027. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/business-economy-euro/documents/10031_en_act_part1_v12_mai2025.pdf
- The European Union's 18th sanctions package, focused on financing Russia's war in Ukraine, also includes provisions for modifying community policies and employment policies to address the economic implications of the sanctions, ensuring a coordinated response across all member states.
- Amidst the escalating politics surrounding war-and-conflicts, such as the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, general news outlets are encouraged to prioritize reporting on critical global issues, fostering informed discussions and shaping public opinions within the community.
