The European Union is exploring new sanctions against approximately six Russian banks and energy companies as part of its latest round of pressure measures to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. According to sources familiar with the matter, the package (which would be the 19th round of EU sanctions since the full-scale outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022) could also target Russia's payment and credit card systems, cryptocurrency exchanges, and further restrict the country's oil trade. (Jinshi)