Fact Check: Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the European Union has adopted 18 packages of economic sanctions against Russia.

Fact Check: "Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the European Union has adopted 18 packages of economic sanctions against Russia."

What We Know

Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the European Union (EU) has implemented a series of economic sanctions aimed at crippling Russia's economy and military capabilities. As of June 2025, the EU has indeed adopted its 18th package of sanctions against Russia (Reuters, The New York Times). These sanctions have targeted various sectors, including energy and banking, with the goal of reducing Russia's revenue and military capabilities (European Commission).

The sanctions have evolved over time, with each package building on the previous ones to address ongoing developments in the conflict. The 18th package, announced recently, includes measures such as banning transactions with the Nord Stream pipelines and lowering the price cap on Russian oil (The New York Times, JURIST).

Analysis

The claim that the EU has adopted 18 packages of sanctions since the start of the invasion is supported by multiple credible sources. The European Commission's official announcements and reputable news outlets confirm this information (Reuters, The New York Times). Furthermore, the EU's own documentation provides a timeline that corroborates the number of sanctions packages issued (European Council).

The reliability of these sources is high; both Reuters and The New York Times are well-established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. The European Commission is the executive branch of the EU, making its statements authoritative regarding EU policies and actions.

However, it is essential to note that while the sanctions are intended to weaken Russia's economic base, their effectiveness has been debated. Some reports suggest that despite the sanctions, Russia has found ways to adapt economically, including seeking new markets (International sanctions during the Russo-Ukrainian War). Nonetheless, the sheer number of sanctions packages indicates a sustained effort by the EU to respond to the ongoing conflict.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the European Union has adopted 18 packages of economic sanctions against Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine is accurate. This conclusion is based on multiple credible sources that confirm the number of sanctions packages and their intended objectives.

Sources

1. EU's new Russia sanctions to target energy sector and banks
2. European Union Unveils Fresh Sanctions on Russia
3. International sanctions during the Russo-Ukrainian War
4. The E.U. Is Still Ramping Up Sanctions on Russia. Here's ...
5. Sanctions adopted following Russia's military aggression against Ukraine
6. Why the EU faces an uphill battle to pass its 18th Russia sanctions package
7. Timeline - Packages of sanctions against Russia since February 2022
8. EU unveils 18th sanction package against Russia - JURIST - News