The European Union has agreed its 18th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation in response to its ongoing war against Ukraine. The measures, finalised in Brussels on Thursday, introduce further restrictions on Russian oil exports, financial institutions, and energy infrastructure, with a particular focus on weakening the country’s ability to sustain military operations.
The package, described by senior EU officials as one of the most comprehensive to date, includes a recalibrated price cap on Russian crude oil exports under the G7 framework, set at $47.60 per barrel. This figure represents a further tightening of financial constraints on the Kremlin’s primary source of revenue.
Announcing the decision on social media platform X, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stated: “The EU just approved one of its strongest sanctions package against Russia to date. We will keep raising the costs, so stopping the aggression becomes the only path forward for Moscow.”
The sanctions also introduce a ban on transactions related to the Nord Stream pipelines. Although both Nord Stream 1 and 2 are currently non-operational, the move is intended to prevent any attempts by Russian entities to leverage the infrastructure for financial or political gain.
Additional measures target Russia’s financial sector, with several institutions reportedly added to the EU sanctions list. While the full list of entities has not yet been published, it is expected to include both state-owned and privately controlled banks deemed to be facilitating the war effort.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the agreement, noting that the sanctions were “striking at the heart of Russia’s war machine. Targeting its banking, energy and military-industrial sectors and including a new dynamic oil price cap.”
Diplomats involved in the negotiations confirmed that the revised oil cap was designed in close coordination with G7 partners and reflects recent shifts in global oil markets. The cap is aimed at reducing Russia’s export revenues while maintaining stability in global energy supply.
The decision follows weeks of internal negotiations among EU member states, some of which had raised concerns about the potential economic fallout of further sanctions, particularly in sectors with remaining commercial ties to Russia. However, a consensus was ultimately reached amid ongoing evidence of sustained Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and territory.
This 18th sanctions package comes shortly after the NATO summit in Washington, where EU and alliance leaders reaffirmed their long-term support for Ukraine and warned of “severe consequences” for any escalation by Moscow. EU officials have indicated that future sanctions are already under consideration and will likely focus on dual-use technologies, evasion networks, and the circumvention of existing restrictions through third countries.
The European Commission is expected to publish full legal texts of the new measures in the Official Journal in the coming days. Member states will be responsible for implementation and enforcement, with the European External Action Service providing coordination and guidance.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU has progressively expanded its sanctions regime. Previous packages have included trade embargoes, asset freezes, travel bans, and export controls on advanced technologies. According to data from the Commission, over 1,800 individuals and entities are currently subject to EU sanctions.
The EU’s restrictive measures are complemented by similar actions taken by partners including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan. Together, the coordinated sanctions efforts aim to limit Russia’s access to financial markets, critical goods, and military supplies.
The effectiveness of the sanctions has been a matter of ongoing debate among analysts. While the Russian economy has shown some signs of resilience, particularly due to trade reorientation towards Asia, indicators suggest mounting pressure on key sectors, including defence procurement, energy exports, and foreign investment.
The European Council has stated that sanctions will remain in place until Russia ceases hostilities and withdraws from occupied Ukrainian territory.
EU Poised to Finalise Sanctions Package Including Lower Price Cap on Russian Oil
