### EU Intensifies Sanctions Against Russia Amid Ongoing Conflict The European Union (EU) has taken significant steps to escalate its sanctions against Russia in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. On June 10, 2025, the European Commission unveiled its 18th sanctions package, which aims to target key sectors of the Russian economy, particularly its energy and military industries. This follows the adoption of the 17th sanctions package on May 20, 2025, which included various restrictive measures against Russia. The EU's actions are part of a broader strategy to pressure Moscow to cease its military aggression in Ukraine and to undermine its economic capabilities. ### Structure of the EU's Sanctions Packages 1. **Overview of the 17th Sanctions Package** - Adopted on May 20, 2025, focusing on various restrictive measures against Russia [https://www.mondaq.com/ireland/export-controls-trade-investment-sanctions/1635806/whats-included-in-the-eus-17th-sanctions-package-against-russia]. 2. **Details of the 18th Sanctions Package** - Introduced on June 10, 2025, targeting Russia's energy revenues, military sector, and financial institutions [https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/european-commission-unveils-18th-package-russia-sanctions-aimed-energy-military-2025-06-10]. - Proposes a ban on transactions involving the Nord Stream gas pipelines and aims to penalize banks circumventing existing sanctions [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3453899-eu-unveils-18th-sanctions-package-targeting-russias-energy-and-military-sectors]. 3. **Objectives of the Sanctions** - To pressure Russia to end its military actions in Ukraine by crippling its economic resources [https://www.rigzone.com/news/eu_proposes_nord_stream_ban_lower_oil_cap_to_hit_russia-11-jun-2025-180816-article]. - To limit Moscow's military capabilities by targeting its financial and energy sectors [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3454217-eu-intensifies-pressure-new-sanctions-package-targets-russian-energy-and-financial-sectors]. ### Supporting Evidence of the Sanctions' Impact - **Key Measures in the 18th Package:** - Ban on transactions with Nord Stream gas pipelines. - Stricter oil price cap aimed at reducing Russia's oil revenues [https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/eu-unveils-18th-sanctions-package-against-1749581751.html]. - Targeting of banks that attempt to circumvent existing sanctions [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3454435-eu-unveils-new-sanctions-package-targeting-russias-energy-and-financial-sectors]. - **Expected Outcomes:** - A significant reduction in Russia's energy revenues, which are crucial for funding its military operations. - Increased economic pressure on Russian banks, potentially leading to a destabilization of the financial sector [https://www.investing.com/news/politics-news/european-commission-proposes-new-sanctions-on-russias-energy-and-military-sectors-93CH-4088900]. ### Conclusion: A Comprehensive Strategy Against Russian Aggression In summary, the EU's recent sanctions packages represent a robust and strategic response to Russia's ongoing military actions in Ukraine. The **17th and 18th sanctions packages** are designed to undermine Russia's economic stability by targeting its energy sector, military capabilities, and financial institutions. 1. The **17th package** laid the groundwork for increased sanctions, while the **18th package** escalates these efforts significantly. 2. The measures aim to **cripple Russia's energy revenues** and limit its military funding, thereby exerting pressure on the Kremlin to reconsider its aggressive stance. 3. The EU's coordinated approach reflects a commitment to supporting Ukraine and maintaining regional stability in the face of Russian aggression [https://www.europeaninterest.eu/eu-sanctions-russias-energy-sector-and-banks].