Zelensky praises 'timely' EU Russian sanctions package

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked the EU for the 18th package of sanctions targeting Russia, and called for further punitive measures against Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine over three 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 wrote on X.

He highlighted the measures targeting transactions related to gas pipelines and Russian tankers.

"The 18th sanctions package continues to target Russia’s tanker fleet – not only the vessels themselves, but also the captains of the shadow fleet and the companies enabling such oil-financed acts of killing," he wrote.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said it was "one of the strongest" sanctions packages to date.

The action by the EU "significantly raises the cost of war for the aggressor," he wrote on X.

Russia must be forced into a "full and unconditional ceasefire and end its war against Ukraine," he said.