Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys has called on the European Union to act with “boldness and determination” after the bloc agreed on a new sanction package against Russia on Wednesday.
“We’re further increasing the pressure on Russia to stop its brutal war against Ukraine. […] We must act with boldness & determination to compel Putin to pursue a just and lasting peace,” the minister posted on X.
🇪🇺 Europe delivers. We’re further increasing the pressure on Russia to stop its brutal war against #Ukraine. ⁰⁰The political agreement on the 17th #EU sanctions package has been reached. It targets shadow fleet and restricts access to battlefield technology. ⁰⁰We must act…
— Kęstutis Budrys (@BudrysKestutis) May 14, 2025
The new sanctions package targets Russia’s so-called shadow fleet and blacklists around 200 oil tankers used to circumvent oil export restrictions for Russia.
Companies from countries such as Vietnam, Serbia and Turkey, which are accused of helping to supply goods to the Russian army, will also be subject to restrictions.
Dozens of Russian officials have been added to the list of nearly 2,400 individuals and entities already subject to visa bans and asset freezes.
The package also imposes sanctions on Russian individuals for cyber-attacks, human rights violations and sabotage in Europe.
Officials acknowledge, however, that the latest sanctions on Moscow are limited compared to previous packages as the EU is finding it harder to agree on targets.
During the debate on the 17th package, Budrys already called for the 18th package to include energy companies.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has said that pressure on Russia should be increased by including liquefied gas exports and more banks.
In addition to these measures, EU leaders have threatened Russia with tougher sanctions if it does not agree to a 30-day ceasefire proposal backed by the United States.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also warned Russia on Tuesday that the bloc would further tighten its sanctions “if there is no real progress this week” on peace in Ukraine.
Newsletter
Every Friday morning.
