EU to begin work on 18th sanctions package against Russia: Finnish FM
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The European Union will start preparing its 18th sanctions package targeting Russia, following the pending adoption of the 17th package, amid ongoing tensions and NATO discussions, according to Finland’s foreign minister.
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Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen talks to journalists as she arrives for NATO's informal meeting of foreign ministers in Antalya, southern Turkey, on May 15, 2025. (AP/Khalil Hamra)
The European Union will soon start preparing its 18th package of sanctions targeting Russia, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen announced on Thursday.
This follows the recent agreement among EU member states on the 17th sanctions package, which is expected to be formally adopted at the EU foreign ministers' council meeting scheduled for May 20.
Valtonen announced a doorstep comment at the informal NATO foreign ministers’ summit, emphasizing that work on the new sanctions package would begin immediately after finalizing the current one.
Russian President Vladimir Putin described the Western sanctions strategy as a long-term effort to contain and weaken Russia, while acknowledging the serious blow the measures have dealt to the global economy.
Europe is acting. 🇪🇺 https://t.co/iAR91ukuFt
— Elina Valtonen (@elinavaltonen) May 14, 2025
Moreover, the EU’s ongoing sanctions against Russia come amid heightened tensions in Europe and continued discussions among NATO allies on collective security measures. The sanctions packages have increasingly targeted key sectors of the Russian economy, including energy exports, finance, and technology, aiming to limit Moscow’s ability to fund its military operations in Ukraine.
The 17th package reportedly includes tighter restrictions on Russian coal imports and additional bans on luxury goods, reflecting the EU’s intent to intensify economic pressure.
Analysts cited by the Associated Press (AP) note that while the sanctions have strained Russia’s economy, Moscow has sought alternative trade routes and partnerships, notably strengthening ties with China and other non-Western countries to mitigate the impact.
However, experts warn that sustained international sanctions remain critical to constraining Russia’s war efforts and encouraging a diplomatic resolution.
Increasing EU sanctions in light of Russia-Ukraine talks in Turkey
In related news, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the delegation he will send to the Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Turkey today, a move he proposed to advance negotiations.
The delegation will be led by Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky, who previously participated in the 2022 peace talks and emphasizes Ukraine’s demilitarization, “de-Nazification,” and recognition of Crimea and Donbass independence.
Medinsky, educated at Moscow State Institute of International Relations and author of Myths about Russia, is joined by top military and diplomatic officials, including Mikhail Galuzin, deputy foreign minister; Igor Kostyukov, head of military intelligence (GRU); and Alexander Fomin, deputy defense minister. Additional experts approved by Putin will support negotiations, signaling Russia’s aim to combine diplomatic, historical, and military expertise in the talks.
