EU Imposes 18th Sanctions Package on Russia Targeting Oil, Nord Stream

The European Union has approved its 18th package of sanctions against Russia, aiming to weaken its military capabilities and oil industry as part of continued pressure over the conflict in Ukraine. This latest package includes measures such as lowering the price cap on Russian crude oil, sanctions against vessels involved in the shadow fleet, bans on transactions through the SWIFT system, and restrictions targeting Russian oil refineries and banks. The EU remains firm in its support for Ukraine and intends to maintain and tighten sanctions until Russian aggression ends. In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the sanctions as illegal, one-sided, and reflective of Europe’s ongoing anti-Russian stance, asserting that Russia has developed a certain immunity to such measures and adapted to life under sanctions. Peskov also warned that sanctions have negative consequences for the countries imposing them, calling the strategy a "double-edged sword." Russian sources have downplayed the new restrictions' impact, suggesting they will not significantly disrupt Russian oil trade.