EU Approves 21st Sanctions Round on Russia

EU ambassadors reached a political agreement on Thursday on a new round of sanctions targeting Russia for its war in Ukraine, EU diplomats said. The decision follows a series of coordinated measures aimed at limiting Moscow’s access to international finance and energy markets.

The 21st sanctions package, which will be adopted by the European Council, includes a 12‑month freeze on the oil price cap that has been in place since 2022. The cap, which limits the price at which Russian oil can be sold in the EU, is intended to reduce the revenue that the Russian economy derives from its energy exports. The freeze will keep the cap in effect for a full year, allowing the EU to maintain pressure on Russian oil sales while it reviews the broader sanctions regime.

The agreement signals continued EU resolve to curb Russia’s war‑financing mechanisms. The new measures will be implemented across member states, with the EU working closely with international partners to enforce the sanctions and monitor compliance.