The European Union and the United Kingdom on Tuesday announced new, coordinated sanctions packages targeting Russia, as part of a renewed diplomatic effort to pressure President Vladimir Putin into ending the ongoing war against Ukraine.

The latest round of sanctions focuses on Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers — vessels used to clandestinely transport Russian oil in violation of Western trade restrictions. Brussels has moved to sanction 189 such ships, in what EU officials say is a bid to cut off Moscow’s ability to finance its war machine.

In parallel, the UK introduced a broader sanctions package targeting critical aspects of Russia’s military and propaganda apparatus. These measures include restrictions on companies and individuals involved in the supply chains for weapons systems such as Iskander missiles, as well as entities responsible for Kremlin-backed disinformation and financial institutions that help Moscow evade international sanctions.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that an 18th sanctions package is already in the works, following the adoption of the 17th. “It’s time to intensify the pressure on Russia to bring about the ceasefire,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter) after a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Officials across Europe signaled support for tougher measures. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called for intensified action “to push Vladimir Putin to put an end to his imperialist fantasy,” while Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius warned that Putin was “clearly playing for time” and showed no real interest in peace.