EU approves new sanctions package against Russia

The new measures against the Kremlin -- namely, the 17th package of sanctions from the EU since the beginning of Russia's full invasion of Ukraine in 2022 -- were prepared before European leaders gave Moscow the latest ultimatum over US-led peace efforts in Ukraine.

Diplomats representing 27 EU member states approved the package in new Brussels meeting, according to the bloc's Polish presidency, Periscope.

The package, which is expected to be officially approved on Tuesday, includes the introduction of around 200 oil tankers used to avoid restrictions on Russian oil exports.

Companies from countries like Vietnam, Serbia and Turkey, accused of helping supply the Russian army with goods, will also face restrictions.

Tens of Russian officials will be added to the list of nearly 2,400 people and entities that already face visa bans and asset freezes.

The package also includes sanctions on Russian individuals for cyber attacks, human rights violations and sabotage acts in Europe.

Officials agree that Moscow's new sanctions package is relatively limited compared to previous packages, as the EU is struggling to achieve compliance with targets.

In addition to these measures, EU leaders have threatened Russia with “large sanctions”, unless it accepts a proposal supported by the United States for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned Russia on Tuesday that it would face other European sanctions unless there is “actual progress” this week towards peace in Ukraine.

Merz called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to sit at the negotiating table to talk about ceasefire and peace in Ukraine, along with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Istanbul on Thursday.

US President Donald Trump has said he can participate in talks in Turkey if Putin and Zelensky sit on the table, but so far there has been no sign of the Kremlin that Putin will attend. /REL/