This is reported by Kyiv24
President of the European Council António Costa announced that the European Union will soon approve a new, 18th sanctions package against Russia. According to him, all existing restrictions have recently been extended for another six months, and the new sanctions package aims to increase pressure on the Russian Federation.
Sanctions Will Target Key Sectors of the Russian Economy
During a joint briefing with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, António Costa emphasized the importance of maintaining sanctions pressure. He noted that the EU has already extended all existing sanctions and is ready to quickly adopt the 18th package of restrictions.
“We will continue to pressure Russia through sanctions. Last week, we extended all our sanctions for another six months. The 18th package will be approved quickly,” he said during the joint briefing with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
Position of the European Commission and Details of the New Package
Ursula von der Leyen added that the goal of the new sanctions is to force Russia to come to the negotiating table. According to her, the upcoming package could significantly impact the military economy of the Russian Federation, which is already on the brink of exhaustion. The new restrictions will particularly affect the energy and banking sectors of Russia.
However, the approval of the 18th package is currently blocked by Slovakia, which has expressed concerns about certain provisions of the proposed sanctions.