Zelensky hails new EU sanctions on Russia as 'essential and timely'

by Naharnet Newsdesk 18 July 2025, 12:23

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the EU's new round of sanctions on Russia Friday as "essential and timely", as Moscow intensifies strikes after invading his country almost three-and-a-half years ago.

"This decision is essential and timely, especially now, as a response to the fact that Russia has intensified the brutality of the strikes on our cities and villages," Zelensky said on social media.

- 'keeping up pressure' -

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed the new EU sanctions package, saying that "we are keeping up the pressure on Russia."

"It's good that we in the EU have now agreed on the 18th sanctions package against Russia," Merz wrote on X. "It targets banks, energy and the military industry. This weakens Russia's ability to continue financing the war against Ukraine. We are keeping up the pressure on Russia."

- 'Unprecedented' -

France said the EU's new round of sanctions on Russia agreed Friday over the war in Ukraine were without precedent and would force Moscow into a ceasefire.

Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on X that "together with the United States we will force (Russian President) Vladimir Putin into a ceasefire", adding the new sanctions -- which include a lower price cap on Russian oil exports -- were "unprecedented".

Source: Agence France Presse

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