Fact Check: Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, announced that the EU would seek to lower the price cap on Russian oil from $60 a barrel to $45.

Fact Check: "Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU would seek to lower the price cap on Russian oil from $60 a barrel to $45."

What We Know

On June 10, 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Union (EU) is proposing to lower the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel. This measure is part of a broader set of sanctions aimed at reducing the Kremlin's revenues, which are used to fund its military operations in Ukraine. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed this proposal, stating that lowering the cap would significantly impact Russia's oil revenues, which are crucial for its economy (AP News, New York Times).

The proposal to lower the price cap is intended to be discussed and potentially agreed upon at the upcoming G7 summit, highlighting the coordinated effort among Western nations to apply pressure on Russia (Reuters, Euractiv).

Analysis

The claim that Ursula von der Leyen announced a reduction in the price cap on Russian oil is supported by multiple credible sources. The announcement was made during a press briefing where both von der Leyen and Kallas emphasized the need for the EU to act decisively against Russia's economic capabilities (AP News, New York Times). The sources reporting on this event include well-established news organizations such as the Associated Press, The New York Times, and Reuters, which are generally regarded as reliable and authoritative in their reporting.

The context of the announcement is crucial, as the EU has been actively seeking to limit Russia's oil revenues since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine. The proposed cap reduction is a strategic move to further weaken Russia's financial position and compel it to engage in peace negotiations (Reuters, Euractiv).

While some sources, such as Pravda, suggest that the EU will not unilaterally implement this change without G7 backing, this does not negate the fact that the proposal has been officially made (Pravda). The emphasis on the need for consensus among G7 nations indicates a collaborative approach rather than a denial of the announcement itself.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Ursula von der Leyen announced the EU's intention to lower the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $45 is accurate. The announcement was made in the context of new sanctions aimed at reducing Russia's economic capacity to fund its military actions in Ukraine. The proposal is backed by multiple credible sources, confirming its validity.

Sources

1. EU seeks to lower a price cap on Russian oil and discourage Nord Stream ...
2. European Union Unveils Fresh Sanctions on Russia, Including a Nord ...
3. EU's new Russia sanctions to target energy sector and banks
4. Kremlin says EU-proposed lower Russian oil price cap is ...
5. EU will not lower Russian oil price cap without G7 backing
6. EU wants to cut Russian oil price cap to $45 in latest sanctions ...
7. EU Targeting Deal To Lower Oil Price Cap For Russia By G7 Summit Next Week
8. EU proposes lower Russian oil price cap in latest sanctions package