The European Union is preparing its toughest sanctions package against Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced on Monday.
Speaking to reporters, Barrot stated that the EU’s move comes in direct response to a surge in Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, despite recent appeals for a ceasefire.
“Instead of agreeing to the 30-day ceasefire proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, Russia has quintupled its attacks. This cannot continue. It must stop,” said Barrot.
The new sanctions, developed in coordination with U.S. lawmakers and based on French proposals, will directly target the financial and logistical lifelines sustaining Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war effort.
According to Barrot, the upcoming measures will go beyond energy exports such as oil, and will include action against financial intermediaries both inside and outside Russia who are enabling Moscow to bypass existing sanctions.
“Putin is no longer advancing on the battlefield,” Barrot noted. “He is reduced to bombarding populated areas with drones and missiles – and civilians are paying the price. This must end.”
Since 2022, the EU has implemented 17 rounds of sanctions against Russia. The planned 18th package – which includes lowering the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel and banning transactions with Nord Stream pipelines and several Russian banks – was delayed in June due to objections from Slovakia.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate is expected to review a new bill this month proposing sweeping trade penalties, including a 500% tariff on countries that continue importing Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other key resources. The bill is backed by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who said President Trump personally encouraged him to pursue the legislation.
