EU Imposes Tough New Sanctions on Russia Amid Ongoing Conflict

 

EU Imposes Tough New Sanctions on Russia Amid Ongoing Conflict The European Union announced a new package of sanctions against Russia, marking the 18th set since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The EU states the sanctions are a response to Russia’s continued attacks on Ukraine, which demonstrate Moscow’s refusal to seek peace. The new measures include lowering the price cap on Russian oil exports from $60 to $45 per barrel, aiming to reduce Russia’s oil revenue, which accounts for about a third of its income. Additionally, they propose banning transactions with Russian banks and financial institutions involved in sanctions circumvention in third countries, and banning the use of Russian energy infrastructure, including Nord Stream pipelines.

EU leaders acknowledge that some countries like Hungary and Slovakia have previously threatened to block new sanctions, but so far, they have supported measures for unity. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the sanctions are essential because "strength is the only language Russia understand[s]." She condemned Russia’s continued violence despite diplomatic efforts and called Russia’s goal "not peace but rule by force." Ukraine’s President Zelensky welcomed the sanctions as "an important step," criticizing the lack of similar measures from the U.S. and highlighting Russia’s ongoing increase in missile strikes. Kyiv denies Russian claims that it wants peace, stating Moscow seeks to impose its will through force.

One key focus of the new sanctions is Russia’s energy sector, particularly oil exports. The EU aims to reduce Russia’s revenue by enforcing the price cap, which restricts insurance and shipping services to oil shipments above the cap. The EU also seeks to tighten sanctions against Russia’s banking sector, extending bans on financial transactions and adding more banks to the blacklist. Measures will also target companies supporting Russia’s military and industrial complex. The sanctions require approval from all 27 EU member states and come amid ongoing diplomatic tensions and failed peace negotiations.

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