President Volodymyr Zelensky says the main targets of the 18th package of EU sanctions should include Russian oil, tanker fleet, banks, as well as all supply chains in arms production.
The president addressed the participants of the EU summit taking place in Brussels, Ukrinform reports.
Sanctions against Russia remain one of the most effective tools for limiting its aggression. What’s needed now is a truly strong 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia. The key targets should be Russia’s oil trade, its shadow tanker fleet, Russian banks and other financial instruments, and the supply chains that bring equipment or parts for making weapons.,” Zelensky said.
He noted that some European companies are still supplying critical components to Russia.
“These end up in missiles and other weapons used to kill us, kill Ukrainians. We are identifying these materials and will pass the evidence to your teams. Please pay attention to this,” the President urged.
He also stressed the need to impose restrictions on captains of shadow fleet tankers and the terminals through which Russia exports oil.
“Russia’s military ambitions grow when its oil revenues are high. Over time, we’ve seen how strongly some European countries still depend on Russian oil. We understand this and we act carefully, as our partnership with the EU requires. Yet, sadly, we don’t always feel the same understanding in return when it comes to Ukraine’s needs. It feels especially strange to hear such strong criticism, even political pressure from some leaders, while our respect for EU rules allows oil to keep flowing. We should all think about that. Either we all follow the same EU rules or there will be fewer advantages for everyone,” Zelensky noted.
In this context, he called for support in further steps to reduce the price cap on Russian oil.
“A cap of $45 could help move toward peace, of course. But for real, lasting peace – and we shared it yesterday with all the partners: European partners, U.S. partners – a cap of $30 per barrel is needed to block Russia’s ability to fund its aggression,” the head of state noted.
As reported earlier, a two-day EU summit kicked off in Brussels today, June 26. Among its topics is support for Ukraine, including the adoption of the 18th package of sanctions against Russia and the extension of current economic restrictions for another six months.
Source: Zelensky to EU leaders: Strong 18th package of Russia sanctions needed now
