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EU adopts new sanctions against Russia

Government Offices of Sweden

Press release from Prime Minister's Office, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Published 18 July 2025

The EU has today adopted an 18th sanctions package in response to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. This package contains a number of new and expanded measures to limit Russia's energy revenues and the shadow fleet. These measures include lowering the oil price cap from USD 60 to USD 47.6 per barrel.

"The lower oil price cap is a welcome development, and is something the Government has long pushed for. The decision will also have a major impact on Russia's economy and possibilities to finance the war. Going forward, it will be important to continue to take measures against the Russian shadow fleet and ensure that the oil price cap is effectively maintained," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard.

"Our adoption of an 18th sanctions package today is key. As Russia continues its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine at undiminished strength, it is all the more important that the EU stays the course in its targeted response. We know that the sanctions are taking their toll on Russia's war chest. Sweden continues to push for additional sanctions and stronger support to Ukraine," says Minister for EU Affairs Jessica Rosencrantz.

The new sanctions package includes additional economic measures, export bans and other measures to counteract circumvention of sanctions and third-country support to Russia. The sanctions package also introduces a ban on purchasing, importing or transporting petroleum products from Russian crude oil via third countries, and against providing related technical or economic support.

A total of 91 entities, 14 individuals and 105 additional vessels associated with the Russian shadow fleet have been sanctioned in the new package.

EU sanctions against Russia

EU sanctions against Russia were introduced in response to its aggression in 2014, when Crimea was illegally annexed and the destabilisation of Ukraine began. The measures have been expanded in 18 sanctions packages since the launch of the full-scale invasion.

In December 2022, the EU adopted the crude oil price cap level determined by the G7. The price cap was introduced to limit Russian revenues from oil exports. This mechanism regulates the possibility of shipping companies within the EU to transport oil to third countries under a specific price level. Since then, the price cap level has remained unchanged at USD 60 per barrel. With the 18th sanctions package, the oil price cap was lowered to USD 47.6 per barrel within EU jurisdiction.