No country within the sanctions coalition intends to ease pressure on the Russian Federation in the near future. This was stated by the President of Ukraine’s Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, Vladislav Vlasuk, who emphasized that the new 18th package of sanctions from the European Union is almost ready and may soon be considered and approved. Additionally, the US administration is also finalizing its own sanctions initiatives.
This is reported by Бізнес • Медіа
US and EU Prepare Strong Restrictions for the Banking and Energy Sectors of Russia
The US Department of State and the Department of the Treasury are working on a new sanctions package aimed primarily at the banking and energy sectors of Russia. Among the possible measures being considered are disconnecting Russian companies and banks from the US financial system, freezing their assets, and blocking dollar transactions.
At the same time, an analysis of the effectiveness of existing sanctions is being conducted in the US, and the possibility of lifting certain restrictions is being considered. Within Donald Trump’s team, discussions are ongoing: one group of advisors insists on maintaining strict economic pressure on Russia, while others fear that this could complicate diplomatic contacts. Meanwhile, the State Department emphasizes that if necessary, the US is ready to quickly intensify sanctions pressure on the Kremlin.
“No country in the sanctions coalition is considering the possibility of easing sanctions against Russia in the near future,” said the President’s Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, Vladislav Vlasuk.”
Sanctions Deepen Economic Crisis in Russia
Vladislav Vlasuk pointed out that sanctions significantly impact the financial condition of Russia. For instance, the planned deficit in the Russian budget for 2025 has been increased more than twice—from 1.17 trillion rubles ($15 billion) to 3.8 trillion rubles ($48 billion). The main reasons cited are falling oil prices and the effect of international sanctions. Kremlin revenues from the oil and gas sector have already decreased by 25% from the planned level—approximately 2.6 trillion rubles ($33 billion). One of the key factors for this decline remains the restrictions on Russia’s energy exports.
The UK representation at the OSCE also notes that due to international sanctions, Russia has lost approximately $450 billion in revenues from energy resource exports, and 66% of the liquid assets of the so-called National Welfare Fund have already been used.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calls for further intensification of sanctions pressure, particularly regarding energy and limiting Russia’s ability to obtain components for the production of long-range weapons. According to Zelensky, the greatest effect of the sanctions will be felt by Russia by June 2026.