The EU is considering the introduction of three sanction packages targeting Russia.

The first package, labeled the 17th, will target tankers, nations aiding Russia in bypassing restrictions, and firms in the Russian military-industrial sector. The second package focuses on combating Russian propaganda and misinformation. The third, which is unrelated to Ukraine, will address human rights issues within the Russian Federation.

Concurrently, President Zelenskyy has implemented sanctions on 58 Russian individuals and 67 companies, primarily those linked to the military-industrial complex, following the National Security and Defense Council’s decision. Additionally, sanctions have been placed on three companies from Iran, three from Uzbekistan, and one from China.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot remarked that if a truce is not established, the EU and the US will escalate pressure on Putin by implementing extensive sanctions that will prove detrimental to the Russian economy. Over the three years of war, Moscow has suffered €400B in losses as a result of restrictions – equivalent to its military budget for three years.

Furthermore, on May 12 the EU Permanent Representatives Committee (COREPER) provisionally consented to the 17th package of sanctions against Russia, with final approval expected during the EU Council on Foreign Affairs meeting on May 20.