The European Union (EU) is accelerating new sanctions against Russia in response to the large-scale drone attacks carried out by Russia over the weekend. On May 26 (local time), the European Commission stated that the latest attacks once again confirm Russia's complete lack of interest in peace negotiations and announced that work is underway on the 18th package of sanctions.
Anita Hipper, the European Commission's spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, emphasized at a briefing that "Russia's offensive demonstrates the need to further intensify pressure," adding, "The EU is prepared to maintain pressure on Russia and expects other partner countries to follow suit."
Previously, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans to impose additional sanctions on Russia's financial sector, as well as to strengthen the G7's coordinated price cap on Russian oil. The EU is reportedly considering lowering the current cap from $60 per barrel to $50. Analysts note that whether this measure is actually implemented will depend on the participation of key partners such as the United States.
Paula Pinho, the EU's chief spokesperson, stated that this issue was discussed at the recent G7 finance ministers' meeting, and that some countries expressed interest. However, when asked about the participation of the United States, she replied, "I do not know exactly which countries."
Ukraine has repeatedly called for swift additional sanctions in response to Russia's intensified airstrikes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the international community to take decisive action, stressing the urgency of freezing Russian assets and halting oil transactions, through a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The previous day, he also demanded a more active response from the United States, stating that "the silence of the United States and the world only emboldens Putin."
According to Ukrainian authorities, Russia launched a total of 355 drones across Ukraine during the night of May 25, and nearly 300 drones were deployed in attacks the previous day as well. This marks the largest drone assault in a single period since the start of the war.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump also posted on Truth Social, criticizing Russia's airstrikes as "absolutely CRAZY." In response to reporters' questions about whether he would impose additional sanctions on Russia, he replied, "Absolutely."
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