The European Union has officially adopted its 18th package of sanctions against Russia in response to its ongoing war in Ukraine. According to diplomatic sources, the latest measures include a further reduction in the price cap on Russian oil exports, aiming to increase pressure on Moscow’s war economy.

A diplomat speaking after a meeting in Brussels confirmed the agreement, calling the new package “strong and effective.” The EU has maintained a steady pace of sanctions since the beginning of the conflict, now entering its fourth year.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated on social media platform X that, together with the United States, France will work to force a ceasefire.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed that message in a post of her own, welcoming the agreement on the new sanctions package.

Despite the increasing international restrictions, Russian officials have repeatedly downplayed their impact. “Russia has stated it is not afraid of the EU sanctions,” sources noted.

Drone Warfare Escalates Overnight

As diplomatic measures intensify, the battlefield shows no signs of de-escalation. Overnight, Russia’s Ministry of Defense reported that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 73 Ukrainian drones. Three of the drones were reportedly en route to Moscow.

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FILE PHOTO: A serviceman from the mobile air defence unit of the 115th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces fires a ZPU-2 anti-aircraft machine gun towards a Russian drone during an overnight shift, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv Region, Ukraine July 17, 2025. REUTERS/Sofiia Gatilova/File Photo

Most of the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were shot down over Russia’s southwestern regions. A particularly high concentration—31 drones—was intercepted over Bryansk, a region bordering Ukraine.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin stated that no casualties or damages had been reported from the attempted drone strikes. In a post on Telegram, he confirmed that emergency services were investigating areas where debris from the drones fell.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly called on Western allies to increase pressure on Russia and provide stronger support to bring about a ceasefire and restore peace.

Airports Temporarily Disrupted

The attempted drone attacks also led to temporary disruptions at several Moscow airports. Russia’s civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, briefly suspended operations at Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports. These suspensions were later lifted.

Operations at a third major airport, Vnukovo, were also halted shortly after midnight but resumed by morning.

There has been no official comment from Ukrainian authorities regarding these specific attacks. However, Kyiv has previously maintained that its strikes within Russian territory target critical infrastructure necessary for Moscow’s military operations.

Conflict Continues Into Fourth Year

With the war in Ukraine continuing into its fourth year, the intensity on both diplomatic and military fronts shows no sign of easing. While the EU intensifies its economic measures, both Russia and Ukraine remain locked in an ongoing cycle of attacks and counterattacks, many involving increasingly frequent drone warfare.