STVR | The European Commission has unveiled the 18th package of sanctions
The 18th sanctions package is on the table. The European Commission aims to increase pressure on Russia so that Moscow comes to the negotiating table and agrees to a ceasefire. The Commission plans to target both the Russian shadow fleet and Russian banks. Viktor Daněk, director of the Prague office of the EUROPEUM Institute,
commented for STVR.
11. June 2025

Sanctions are always a kind of cat-and-mouse game. Over time, those targeted by sanctions learn how to circumvent them, which is why it's necessary to continuously introduce new measures to ensure the desired effect—namely, that the sanctions truly hurt—remains visible.
While sanctions do affect both sides, they undoubtedly impact the Russian Federation more than the European side. Of course, they have not achieved what some may have initially expected—namely, to bring Russia to the negotiating table—so a certain degree of skepticism is understandable. However, I don't believe there is any reason to ease the sanctions, as Russia has shown absolutely no signs of easing its actions.
You can listen to the interview here.