The European Union Council adopted a new sanctions package on June 15 in response to Russia's full-scale attack on Ukraine. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the package targets Russia's energy revenues, military-industrial complex, and propaganda activities.
The new decision comes after Russia's recent attacks on Ukraine, including a large-scale assault on the capital Kyiv, where residential buildings and the 11th-century Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra were targeted, resulting in numerous injuries.
Energy, shadow fleet, and propaganda network targeted
The package announced by the EU covers Russia's shadow fleet, structures linked to human rights violations, and networks that support Moscow's hybrid attacks on Europe. Kallas noted that every measure taken further restricts Russia's room for maneuver.
The sanctions list added 34 Russian citizens and 47 entities. Among those listed are Alexandra Jost, a blogger known on X as "Sasha meets Russia," and Maria Volkonskaya, editor-in-chief of Krymskaya Gazeta, a newspaper controlled by the Russian state.
Brussels is also working on the 21st sanctions package
The EU is also working on the 21st sanctions package against Russia. This package is expected to include significant steps such as freezing the current pricing mechanism for Russia's energy imports until the end of 2026.
This move aims to prevent Moscow from gaining additional profits from rising prices caused by the US war on Iran. Kallas also stated that Western sanctions have so far cost Russia between 1 and 1.3 trillion euros.
The EU's latest decision stands out as part of a broader strategy to increase pressure on Russia's war economy. Kallas expressed that the sanctions are dismantling the foundations of Russia's war economy "brick by brick."
