JUST IN: EU Slams Russia With Record-Breaking Sanctions

The European Union has launched a sweeping new round of EU sanctions on Russia, intensifying pressure on Moscow over its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Diaspora Digital Media learnt that the latest package its 18th since the war began includes several powerful measures. These include lowering the price cap on Russian oil exports, blacklisting over 100 “shadow fleet” tankers, and introducing legal provisions that block any future EU energy dependence on Russia.

The sanctions were formally unveiled on Friday, following weeks of negotiations among EU member states.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc would not waver in its support for Ukraine. “We are cutting off Russia’s ability to fuel its war machine,” she stated.

Under the new restrictions, Russia must sell oil at prices at least 15% lower than global market rates. This drops the cap to roughly $47.60 per barrel.

In addition, the EU has tightened enforcement rules to prevent Russia from skirting the restrictions using third-party intermediaries.

Moreover, the EU sanctions on Russia now include a ban on over 100 vessels believed to be part of Moscow’s shadow fleet. These tankers have been transporting Russian oil in violation of previous sanctions.

The measures also blacklist several foreign entities that have helped Russia bypass earlier sanctions. This includes:

• A Russian-owned refinery operating in India
• Two Chinese banks facilitating sanctioned transactions
• Military-grade electronics suppliers in third countries

One of the most significant new provisions is legal language preventing the revival of the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines. The move reflects the EU’s strategy to end all long-term energy reliance on Russia.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico had initially delayed the package. However, he lifted his veto after securing more favorable gas supply terms from the EU.

The European Commission says these EU sanctions on Russia will be followed by even tougher ones if the war continues.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook