EU Finalizes 18th Sanctions Package Against Russia Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict

After weeks of negotiations with Slovakia, the European Union (EU) has officially reached an agreement on its 18th sanctions package against Russia, spurred by the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign affairs representative, announced on Friday that this latest package is among the strongest yet. The sanctions aim to escalate the costs for Russia, with the objective of compelling the Moscow government to cease its aggressive actions in Ukraine. Kallas detailed the measures in a post on the online platform X, emphasizing that they will significantly impact the Russian oil and energy sectors. Notably, the EU plans to lower the price cap on Russian crude oil, setting it at $47.60 per barrel, as confirmed by diplomats speaking to Reuters. Preparations for the 18th sanctions package began back in June, following a diplomatic mission to Kyiv that included Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. With the persistence of attacks from Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Ukraine, the EU's strategy is not just to curtail gas and oil exports but to impose sanctions on Russian banks and the arms industry as well. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed that this package targets the core of Russia's war machinery. However, the agreement faced resistance from Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who had previously obstructed consensus at the last EU summit, advocating for guarantees that Slovakia would not face repercussions from halting Russian gas supplies or potential lawsuits from Moscow. Earlier this week, Fico again delayed an agreement. In a surprising turn of events, Fico announced on Thursday evening that Slovakia had secured sufficient protections against any adverse effects of the new sanctions. All 27 EU member states must unanimously approve the sanctions package, and Fico initially sought a provision allowing Slovakia to uphold a contract for gas supplies from the Russian state company Gazprom until 2034. As the EU aims to completely eliminate gas imports from Russia by January 1, 2028, the stakes remain high as they navigate both energy security and political dynamics within the bloc. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3