The European Union has agreed on new sanctions against Russia, focusing on its energy and financial sectors to pressure for a ceasefire in Ukraine. The sanctions include banning transactions with 22 Russian banks and implementing a dynamic price cap on Russian crude oil. Slovakia lifted its veto on the sanctions after negotiations, despite concerns over the phase-out of Russian fossil fuels. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico continues to advocate for exemptions regarding gas purchases from Russia. The sanctions package represents the 18th since February 2022.