EU’s Next‑Gen Sanctions Wave: Macron Teases New “Heavy‑Hit” Package
In the ever‑twisting saga of Ukraine, Russia, and Switzerland, French President Emmanuel Macron dropped some news that the European Union is gearing up to roll out yet another fierce sanctions bundle against Moscow. Think of it as the EU’s annual cafeteria line of “no thanks” to Russian oil and armaments.
What’s the scoop?
- Macron said the EU already passed a fresh sanctions package and is now prepping a second one.
- He hinted that the outcome will hinge on negotiations over the next few days and weeks. “Nothing’s guaranteed yet,” he added.
- Meanwhile, Switzerland has joined the caravan, reaching 41 new entities and 14 individuals under asset freezes.
- These targets span from “shadow fleet” ship operators to oil traders and even firms swooping up military gear from third‑country bases.
- On top of that, 105 vessels from abroad will face bans on buying and selling—effectively shutting down Putin’s elbow‑greased “shadow fleet.”
- Price caps for Russian crude have been tightened, now set at $47.6 per barrel in Switzerland.
Why the drama?
After three years of slick evasion, Russia’s armament lines have been digging deep into shady pockets and ghost ships, turning a fungicidal rat‑run into a high‑finishing oil dunder.
With Europe’s sanction machine roaring again, Macron believes the next batch could finally stick the brakes to Russia’s stealthy oil pipeline. If the negotiations flounder or flop, the road to backing the sanctions could feel muddy. But the EU is already on its way to the 18th restrictions round—just like a never‑ending game of chess.
Takeaway for the everyday reader:
Russia’s business is now under a boiling cauldron of restrictions—think of it as a global “stop‑the‑flow” move, with Switzerland tightening its grips on shady maritime and oil traders. It’s a reminder that the EU’s sanctions are not just a paper push; they’re more like a well‑worn, very heavy curfew.
