The European Union has doubled down on its economic pressure against Russia, extending sweeping sanctions until July 31, 2026 – a move that signals no thaw in relations anytime soon. 🔒 The measures, first launched in 2014 and massively expanded after 2022, now cover everything from energy imports to luxury goods and cutting-edge tech.
Key updates include:
🚢 Full ban on Russian seaborne crude oil and select petroleum products
💸 Exclusion of major Russian banks from SWIFT financial networks
📡 Suspension of Russia-linked media outlets in EU territories
The bloc also unveiled new anti-evasion tools to close loopholes, while pledging continued support for Ukraine through a €90B military-economic aid package approved last week. 💪 "Our resolve remains unshaken," an EU spokesperson stated, emphasizing that sanctions could escalate if Russia's actions persist.
Analysts predict these measures will keep global energy markets volatile through 2026, with Asian economies closely watching ripple effects. 🌏⚡
