EU and US Ramp Up Sanctions Against Russia Amid Ongoing Conflict
In a concerted effort to weaken the financial underpinnings of the Kremlin, both the European Union and the United States have unveiled new sanctions targeting Moscow over the past day. These measures predominantly focus on Russian energy companies deemed instrumental in funding Russia’s military operations.
Finland’s Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, speaking with reporters on his way to an EU summit in Brussels, emphasized the significance of these sanctions. He described the joint actions by the US and the EU as a potential turning point in the ongoing war in Ukraine. “Putin respects power above all else. If we wish to halt the conflict, we must match or even exceed the pressure he faces,” Orpo stated.
During this summit, European leaders are poised to deliberate on the innovative idea of utilizing frozen Russian assets to bolster support for Ukraine. The latest round of sanctions from the EU, officially the 19th package, includes a ban on the import of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, by announcing additional sanctions aimed specifically at Russia’s major oil companies. This move sends a clear message—one echoed by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in a recent press release: “Now is the time to end the violence and achieve an immediate ceasefire. In light of President Putin’s steadfast refusal to cease this unjust war, we are sanctioning Russia’s two largest oil companies that fuel the Kremlin’s military ambitions.”
Orpo Urges Trump to Provide Ukraine with Tomahawk Missiles
In a recent interview with Politico, Orpo expressly urged President Trump to provide Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, advocating for a capability that would allow Ukraine to retaliate more effectively against Russia. “I genuinely hope they can acquire the means they need to strike back and safeguard their sovereignty,” Orpo remarked. He underscored the importance of a resolution between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the United States.
Politico noted that the new U.S. sanctions signify a shift in Trump’s stance, suggesting a growing impatience with Putin. “Every time I speak with Vladimir, we have productive conversations, yet they seem to lead nowhere,” Trump commented on Wednesday, highlighting his frustrations.
Finland’s Commitment to Ukraine
In related developments, Finnish media outlet Helsingin Sanomat reported that Orpo’s government has pledged to invest €100 million (approximately $110 million) into the PURL (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) initiative. This program enables NATO member nations to procure U.S. arms for Ukraine, with an ongoing compilation of arms packages valued around $500 million each—focused on the specific needs of Ukraine.
Orpo previously expressed the critical nature of the situation in Ukraine, emphasizing Finland’s responsibility to take part: “We must engage actively; neutrality is not an option when our Nordic and Baltic neighbors are all in.”
As the international community rallies to support Ukraine, these recent sanctions and commitments reflect a decisive moment in a conflict that continues to shape the geopolitical landscape of Europe.