Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had encouraged allies to "join in" as the US hit Russia's two largest oil giants with sweeping sanctions on Wednesday, and the EU quickly did with its 19th package of sanctions. The EU's newest action includes banning Russian liquefied natural gas imports for the bloc.

Zelensky has further hailed the "resolute and well-targeted decision," calling the Trump-ordered sanctions a "clear signal that prolonging the war and spreading terror come at a cost." He urged other global leaders to do the same as "it is a strong and much-needed message that aggression will not go unanswered."

To translate all of this: Zelensky almost always gets what he wants in this slow but steady escalation ladder between Russia and the West. "This has been the constant pattern of the conflict from day one," concludes Alex Christoforou of The Duran podcast.

The fresh EU sanctions take aim at Russia's energy, finance sectors, and the military industrial complex. Measures to strengthen control over the movement of Russian diplomats across the EU have also been put in place.

Russia's recently established state-supported stablecoin and crypto exchanges have also been significantly targeted in the EU sanctions.

Already Brussels is promising more down the road, with Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and chair of the Foreign Affairs Council, issuing the following statement:

We have just adopted our 19th package of sanctions. It targets Russian energy, banks, crypto exchanges, and entities in China, among others. The EU is also regulating the movements of Russian diplomats to counter attempts at destabilisation. It is becoming increasingly difficult for Putin to finance his war. Every euro we deny Russia is one it cannot spend on war. The 19th package will not be the last.

Below is a look at what energy companies and exports are targeted, as well as banking sector and crypto, based on the European Council's detailed press release.