The European Union has announced a series of new sanctions targeting Russia in an effort to bolster pressure on President Putin for peace talks regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These measures, which align with recent U.S. sanctions, include a ban on liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Russia and restrictions on Chinese oil refineries supporting the Russian war effort. The latest sanctions package marks the 19th from the EU and aims to eliminate dependence on Russian energy by the end of 2027. Key leaders have expressed a unified front in tightening economic measures against Russia, which also extends to cryptocurrency and banking sectors. The sanctions have garnered mixed reactions among EU member states, with some expressing concerns over impacts on energy supplies.