After six weeks of debate, the 27 EU member states reached agreement on Friday, July 18, on an 18th package of sanctions against Russia for its war in Ukraine, targeting both the energy sector and the Russian banking system. This move increased pressure on Russia just days after Donald Trump announced on Tuesday, July 15, the sale of weapons to NATO countries for Ukraine and gave Vladimir Putin a 50-day ultimatum, threatening further sanctions.
“The EU just approved one of its strongest sanctions package against Russia to date,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Friday morning. “We will keep raising the costs, so stopping the aggression becomes the only path forward for Moscow,” she added. “We are striking at the heart of Russia’s war machine,” emphasized Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, who noted, when presenting the sanctions proposals, that Russian oil continued to generate substantial revenue for the country.
“Done! This morning, we Europeans have adopted unprecedented sanctions against Russia and against the countries providing their support. France has played a key role in this decision. Together with the United States, we will compel Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire,” said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on X. French diplomats said they were behind half the measures adopted by the 27 member states. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also welcomed the new European sanctions against Moscow, which he described as “essential and timely.”
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