Brussels: The European Union (EU) has unveiled its 18th package of sanctions against Russia, marking a significant step in its ongoing support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. The sanctions are described as a formidable effort to target Russia's financial and military capabilities.
According to Kuwait News Agency, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, highlighted that the new sanctions package is designed to directly impact the Kremlin's war budget. The measures include targeting 105 vessels associated with Russia's shadow fleet and imposing further financial restrictions on Russian banks. Additionally, the package enforces a ban on the Nord Stream pipelines and introduces a lower oil price cap, intensifying pressure on Russia's military-industrial sector.
Kallas further explained that the sanctions extend to Chinese banks facilitating sanctions evasion and restrict the export of technologies used in drones. Notably, the EU has, for the first time, designated a flag registry and included a significant Rosneft refinery in India on its sanctions list. The new measures also aim to counter the indoctrination of Ukrainian children, with Kallas affirming that the EU will continue to escalate costs until Moscow ceases its aggression.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the sanctions strike at the core of Russia's war infrastructure. She noted that the focus remains on the banking, energy, and military-industrial sectors, and confirmed the implementation of a new oil price cap. Von der Leyen expressed appreciation for the Danish EU presidency, acknowledging its role in achieving the latest round of sanctions.
The sanctions package faced initial opposition from Slovakia, which objected to a separate EU proposal to phase out Russian gas imports by January 1, 2028. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico confirmed that the objection was lifted following EU assurances, allowing for the adoption of the sanctions package.