The EU has approved its 19th sanctions package against Russia, marking the first time Russian gas has been targeted. Despite cutting oil imports, Europe bought record amounts of gas last year, fueling Moscow’s war budget. The move follows US sanctions on major Russian oil firms announced by US President Donald Trump.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has welcomed the measures, but urged Europe to release frozen Russian assets for defense purchases. Resistance by Belgiumto deploying €140 billion in Russian funds has stalled progress.