The content of a 19th sanctions package from the EU is on its way to being finalized and sent out to member countries for consideration. Among other things, it is expected to include demands for stricter visa rules for Russian citizens, at the same time as more ships are being identified as part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet".
As before, much of it is about convincing Hungary and Slovakia, the EU's two most sanctions-skeptical and Moscow-friendly governments.
Perhaps it will be easier this time, thanks to support from US President Donald Trump.
Oil and gas
In a harsh letter to all NATO countries, Trump has demanded a complete stop to imports of Russian oil - something that in the EU is mainly done by Hungary and Slovakia.
According to Trump's energy minister Chris Wright, the US also wants to stop the gas that is still being imported - also with Hungary and Slovakia among the main importers.
The more we can strangle Russia's ability to pay for this murderous war, the better for all of us, said Wright during a visit to Brussels on Friday, according to the news site Politico Europe.
Customs duties and Turkey
That Trump is putting pressure on Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has long been called for by the EU. It's not just about being able to expand sanctions against Russia, but also about getting Hungary to drop its opposition to membership negotiations with Ukraine.
Trump's demands are not just directed at Hungary and Slovakia - and do not just concern oil.
The US President also wants to see heavy customs duties against China, which is far from popular in many European capitals. And by putting the demand for an oil stop on the countries in NATO, Trump also includes NATO member Turkey - which is much harder to pressure into concessions. In that case, the EU has no opportunity to influence.
Is nothing happening?
Turkey is making a lot of money from Russian oil and gas and has been clear that it is not interested in joining the EU's and US sanctions.
This raises concerns in Brussels that Trump's promise of new measures against Russia will ultimately come to nothing, as long as he demands that the entire NATO acts in the same way.
"If not, then you are just wasting my time and the US's time, energy and money. Thank you for your attention!", Trump writes on his own forum Truth Social.
Russia's renewed attack on Ukraine in February 2022 has resulted in 18 sanctions packages from the EU: nine in 2022 and three each in 2023, 2024 and so far in 2025.
The latest package was approved in mid-July and included, among other things, a lowering of the price ceiling on Russian oil and an expanded number of ships on the list of those considered to be part of the "shadow fleet" that Russia is accused of using to circumvent previous sanctions.
Throughout the process, the EU has also continuously updated the list of individuals, companies and organizations whose potential assets in the EU should be frozen and who should not be granted entry visas. The list now includes around 2,500 names, with President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the forefront.
