The European Union escalates pressure on Russia, approving its 16th sanctions package on February 19, 2025, reports the European Council.This move targets Moscows war machine as the third anniversary of its Ukraine invasion nears, despite a surprising U.S.-Russia rapprochement under Donald Trump.The package, set for formal ratification on Monday, slashes Russias economic lifelines while EU leaders scramble to unify their Ukraine stance.
European Council President Antnio Costa dials up bilateral talks with EU leaders, seeking consensus on Ukraine support and security guarantees.Meanwhile, the sanctions blocklist 73 more shadow fleet ships, totaling 152, disrupting Russias oil exports worth 475 billion since 2022.
The EU also bans transactions with 11 Russian ports and airports, choking off sanction-dodging routes.The numbers tell a gritty story: Russias shadow fleet of 600 aging tankers skirts the G7s $60 oil price cap, funding a war costing $211 billion.
The EU cuts off 13 banks from SWIFT, freezes assets of 48 individuals and 35 entities, and axes licenses for eight Kremlin-linked media outlets.EUs 16th Sanctions Hit Russia as U.S.-Moscow Ties Warm.
(Photo Internet reproduction)EU Tightens Sanctions on Russia as U.S.
Shifts StrategyNew trade bans hit aluminum imports and chemical exports, targeting Russias $300 billion sanction-hit economy.
Polands EU presidency fast-tracks this package in weeks, unlike Hungarys stalled efforts last year, reflecting Warsaws hardline anti-Russia stance.Across the Atlantic, Trumps envoy Keith Kellogg lands in Kyiv after Brussels talks, following U.S.-Russia meetings that sidelined the EU and Ukraine.
This shift rattles Brussels, prompting French President Emmanuel Macron to host a leaders videoconference today.Costas diplomacy runs parallel, addressing EU divisions after an inconclusive Paris summit with Spains Pedro Snchez and others.
The sanctions, cheered by Ursula von der Leyen on X, aim to keep Russia cornered as Trump pushes peace talks.Yet, Hungarys pro-Moscow leanings and trade fallout test EU resolve.
This package, driven by hard data and geopolitics, signals Europes refusal to ease up, even as the U.S.
explores dtente.Costas talks and the 300 billion economic chokehold on Russia underscore a tense, high-stakes moment.
The EU braces for a shifting war landscape, balancing unity and leverage in a conflict entering its fourth year.