The European Union has approved additional sanctions against Russia, specifically targeting its hidden fleet of oil tankers and prohibiting the import of liquefied natural gas. Additionally, EU leaders have endorsed the Readiness 2030 plan to enhance Europe’s defense capabilities in response to potential external threats by the end of the decade.
The Readiness 2030 plan was developed due to concerns about Russia testing the defenses of the 27-nation bloc. Leaders emphasized the urgency of responding to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, stating that it poses a significant challenge to European and global security.
Under the plan, national governments are urged to progress on specific projects outlined in the proposal, with a focus on launching initiatives in the first half of 2026. The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, crafted the plan.
A key aspect of the initiative will be the establishment of drone defenses to identify, monitor, and neutralize unauthorized drones, following recent airspace violations near Europe’s borders with Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. This initiative, known as the European Drone Defence Initiative, is part of a broader strategy called Eastern Flank Watch to bolster defenses along Europe’s eastern borders on land, in the Baltic and Black seas, and in the airspace, as well as against hybrid attacks.
The European Commission estimates that EU defense spending for this year will reach approximately 392 billion euros, nearly double the amount from four years ago before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Over the next decade, an estimated 3.4 trillion euros are projected to be allocated for defense expenditures. To support this, the Commission intends to propose an increase in the EU’s long-term defense budget.
The newly imposed sanctions are part of a broader effort to cut off the financial resources sustaining Russia’s actions in Ukraine and compel President Vladimir Putin to engage in negotiations to end the conflict. While Russian state media downplayed the effectiveness of the sanctions, they mark a victory for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has advocated for stronger international punitive measures against Russia.
Despite ongoing peace efforts led by the U.S., the conflict in Ukraine persists, with European leaders increasingly alarmed by the Russian threat. Ukrainian forces have managed to hold off the larger Russian army in a protracted war along the front lines in eastern and southern Ukraine. Russia has targeted Ukraine’s power grid, while Ukrainian forces have retaliated against Russian infrastructure.
Energy revenue plays a crucial role in Russia’s economy, facilitating military spending without causing significant economic strain. The efficacy of economic sanctions in influencing Putin’s decisions remains uncertain, although Russia’s economy is displaying signs of pressure.
The EU’s latest sanctions encompass Russian oil and gas sectors, the shadow fleet of aging tankers evading sanctions, and Russia’s financial industry. Additionally, restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats within the EU will be introduced. Zelenskyy has urged more nations to join in sanctioning Russia, signaling a united front against Russian aggression.
The deliberation on the new EU sanctions took nearly a month, with the bloc having previously imposed 18 rounds of sanctions against Russia. Finalizing agreements on targets and measures can be a lengthy process, and Russia has demonstrated an ability to evade sanctions.
In response to the escalating situation, President Putin conducted drills of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces, underscoring the gravity of the conflict. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, with recent drone strikes resulting in casualties and heightened tensions between the two nations.
