On 18 July 2025, at the General Affairs Council in Brussels, the European Union approved the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, imposing significant sector-specific restrictive measures and targeted individual sanctions. The sectoral sanctions on Russia include further restrictions in the energy and financial sectors, as well as in trade. The Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Artjoms Uršuļskis, addressed the General Affairs Council emphasizing: “The 18th round of sanctions is yet another confirmation that, despite the diversity of opinions and differing dynamics, the EU is united in its shared goal – to support Ukraine by increasing pressure on Russia, and to reduce Russian aggression outside the EU…