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In a bold move to tighten economic pressure, the European Union has formally adopted its 18th and most comprehensive sanctions package targeting Russia’s financial, energy, and defense sectors. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas confirmed the update, highlighting that over 110 vessels involved in what’s been dubbed Russia’s "shadow fleet" have now been blacklisted. These vessels were previously used to bypass sanctions and transport oil and goods under opaque ownership structures.
💥 What’s New in the Latest Round?
Russian financial institutions face broader restrictions, with several banks now barred from accessing European capital and debt markets.
A complete halt on the Nord Stream gas pipeline infrastructure has been imposed, closing the door to future energy dependencies via that route.
Crude oil price cap has been adjusted to $45.8 per barrel — a significant drop from previous thresholds, directly hitting Russia’s oil revenue streams.
Advanced technology exports, particularly components used in unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), are now prohibited from being sold to Russian defense-linked industries.
Chinese financial intermediaries suspected of helping Moscow work around prior sanctions are now under tighter observation and enforcement.
🇮🇳 Additionally, sanctions have extended beyond Russia’s borders. The Rosneft-backed refinery operations in India are reportedly affected due to their ties with sanctioned supply chains.
🛑 These measures aim to further strangle Russia’s military-industrial pipeline while signaling to third-party countries and financial institutions that any attempt to facilitate sanction evasion will not be tolerated. EU diplomats stressed that the initiative sends a firm warning: any form of aggression will be met with escalating economic consequences.
📌 Kaja Kallas's Statement:
“Our actions deliver a clear signal — military aggression comes at a cost, and that cost will continue to rise until peace is restored.”
