EU hits Russia with new sanctions over Ukraine war

THE EU yesterday adopted a sweeping new package of sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine war, looking to pile more pressure on the Kremlin by lowering a price cap for Moscow's oil exports.

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The 18th round of economic measures from Europe against Russia since its 2022 invasion comes as allies hope US President Donald Trump follows through on his threat to punish Moscow for stalling peace efforts.

“The EU just approved one of its strongest sanctions packages against Russia to date,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said.

“The message is clear — Europe will not back down in its support for Ukraine. The EU will keep raising the pressure until Russia ends its war.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the sanctions adoption as “essential and timely”.

The new measures were approved after Slovakia dropped a weeks-long block following talks with Brussels over separate plans to phase out Russian gas imports.

Kremlin-friendly Slovakian leader Robert Fico whose country remains dependent on Russian energy dropped his opposition after getting what he called “guarantees” from Brussels over future gas prices.