New Sanctions and International Support for Ukraine – July 2025
As the war in Ukraine enters another critical phase, the international community continues to strengthen both its economic pressure on Russia and its material support for Ukraine. Below is an overview of the most recent sanctions and aid packages issued in July 2025.
EU’s 18th Sanctions Package – Increasing Pressure on Russia
On July 18, 2025, the European Union approved its 18th sanctions package targeting the Russian economy. Key elements of the package include:
- A reduction of the oil price cap to $47.60 per barrel
- A ban on re-exporting refined petroleum products from third countries
- Restrictions on approximately 105 ships from Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”
- Bans on dual-use technologies and financial services to Russia
(source – The Guardian)
The sanctions also target Russian banks, intelligence entities like the GRU, and companies financing Moscow’s war effort (source – AP News).
UK and US Sanctions – Targeting Intelligence and Trade
- The United Kingdom imposed sanctions on 18 GRU officers and cyber units suspected of malicious digital activity and disinformation (The Times).
- The United States is pushing bipartisan legislation proposing tariffs of up to 500% on Russian energy imports and trade with Chinese and Indian intermediaries (AP News).
Military Aid and Defense Systems – NATO, US Lead Coordination
U.S. President Donald Trump issued a 50-day ultimatum to reach a peace agreement. Failing that, the U.S. has committed to accelerating the delivery of Patriot missile systems and expanding military support (Financial Times).
- NATO, through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) and the newly formed NSATU command (NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine), is coordinating large-scale weapons deliveries, including artillery, drones, anti-air and anti-tank systems.
- The UK Parliament has pledged £1.6 billion in additional support, including 5,000 advanced air defense missiles (Wikipedia – London Summit).
European Financial Support – Record-High Commitments
According to EU documentation, the European Union and its member states have so far contributed:
- €164.8 billion in total aid
- €59.6 billion for military support
- €41.3 billion in financial, economic, and humanitarian assistance
- €28.3 billion under the Ukraine Facility investment program
(EU Council fact sheet)
This is the most extensive foreign aid program in modern European history.
Geopolitical Outlook and Consequences
The sanctions on Russian oil are putting noticeable pressure on Moscow’s revenues. Although Brent crude remains stable around $69 per barrel, analysts suggest that extended enforcement of the price cap could shrink Russia’s fiscal space further (Reuters).
The combination of sanctions and advanced military equipment is shifting the strategic balance on the battlefield. Ukraine is now better positioned to defend key infrastructure, especially against Russian aerial assaults on Kyiv and other urban centers.