As reported by the online media Suspilne.
At the European Union Council meeting scheduled for June 23, one of the central issues will be the approval of the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. This information was confirmed by a senior EU diplomat who wished to remain anonymous.
“The meeting will reaffirm support for Ukraine. The main topic is the approval of the 18th sanctions package. This could happen either during the ministers’ meeting or at the EU leaders’ summit on June 26–27.”
The diplomat also noted that the agenda includes the issue of EU enlargement. However, one member state, namely Hungary, is blocking this process, causing frustration among other diplomats, particularly at EU ambassadors’ meetings.
On May 27, ahead of the EU Council meeting, Hungary’s Minister for EU Affairs, János Bóka, stated that Budapest does not plan to support the opening of negotiation clusters for Ukraine’s EU accession due to tense bilateral political relations.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha will also attend the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on June 23.
Details of the EU’s 18th Sanctions Package Against Russia
In June 2025, the European Commission presented the 18th sanctions package, which includes new restrictions on Russia’s energy and banking sectors. The sanctions also cover transactions related to the Nord Stream project.
Energy Sector and Gas
Among the new measures is a ban on all transactions related to Nord Stream 1 and 2, prohibiting EU operators from conducting any deals through these pipelines.
The price cap on oil products has been lowered from $60 to $45 per barrel, making it harder for Russia to generate revenue.
The “shadow fleet” has been expanded: 77 more tankers that transported oil in violation of the law have been added to the sanctions list.
There is also a ban on importing oil products made from Russian crude to prevent sanctions evasion through third countries.
Financial Sector and Banking Restrictions
SWIFT restrictions have been transformed into a complete ban on transactions involving 22 Russian banks and third-country operators that assist in circumventing sanctions.
Sanctions have also been imposed on the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and its subsidiaries.
More interesting materials:
- The European Commission plans to phase out Russian oil and gas imports by 2027, including a ban on new contracts from 2026, aiming to enhance EU energy security despite opposition from Hungary and Slovakia.
- The European Commission plans to discuss tightening export restrictions on Russian oil and enforce the 18th EU sanctions package targeting Russia’s energy and financial sectors.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will address the EU Council meeting on June 26-27, discussing key issues including the Russia-Ukraine war and Ukraine’s EU membership path.
