Sanctions Pressure Index — April 2026: 63.1

In April 2026, the Sanctions Pressure Index averaged 63.1, reaching a peak of 72 early in the month before hitting a low of 57 on April 18. Tensions were driven up by the EU passing its 20th sanctions package targeting Russia's energy revenues, military-industrial complex, and financial services, alongside news regarding the upcoming expiration of oil sanctions waivers. Pressure was eased when the US lifted sanctions on Venezuela's leader, as well as when the US suspended certain Russian oil sanctions, which prompted Ukraine to strike Russian oil refineries shortly after. By the end of the month, the index reflected these shifting global policies as sanctions and war continued to accelerate China's currency push.

Scores in this month were computed by the first-generation engine (v1).

Peak 72 on 2026-04-05 · low 57 on 2026-04-18 · locked record · · Sanctions Pressure Index timeline · May → · World Tension, same month

• Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: 20th round of stern EU sanctions hits energy revenues, military-industrial complex, trade and financial services, including crypto consilium.europa.eu · 2026-04-23
• US suspension of Russian sanctions undermines efforts to end war in Ukraine International Bar Association | IBA · 2026-04-23
• Ukraine strikes Russian oil refineries hours after US waives sanctions on Moscow’s oil CNN · 2026-04-18
• War and Sanctions Accelerate China’s Currency Push The New York Times · 2026-04-24
• EU Passes Long-Delayed 20th Sanctions Package, Unleashing a Broadside on Russia’s Wartime Networks Kharon · 2026-04-23
• How Sanctions Can Cripple Russia’s War Machine The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune · 2026-04-24
• EU to widen Iran sanctions to those who block Hormuz reuters.com · 2026-04-20
• Sanctions and Sudan’s Muslim Brotherhood: Decoupling Burhan from Sudan’s Islamists and Iran The Washington Institute · 2026-04-17

• U.S. Lifts Sanctions on Venezuela’s Leader, Opening Door to Deals