The European Union is set to begin work on its 19th sanctions package against Russia, according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. The bloc’s top diplomat stressed that no concessions should be made to Moscow until a full and unconditional ceasefire with Ukraine is secured, calling for “transatlantic unity” in the face of escalating tensions with Russia.
Kallas made these remarks following an emergency meeting of foreign ministers from EU member states, convened in the wake of the upcoming Trump-Putin summit scheduled for Friday. The summit, which will take place amidst a fragile ceasefire in Ukraine, will likely bring renewed focus to the complex geopolitical dynamics between the United States and Russia, with the EU seeking to maintain its influence and leverage in the situation.
As part of its ongoing efforts to pressure Moscow, the EU has reportedly drafted measures targeting the Russian energy and banking sectors, similar to its previous sanctions packages. These restrictions, which include the addition of 105 vessels to a blacklist of so-called shadow fleet members, are part of a broader strategy to disrupt Russia’s ability to export oil and gas while simultaneously imposing economic pressure on the country.
The announcement comes just over a month after the EU finalized its 18th sanctions package, which was heralded as “one of its strongest” yet against Russia. The package included a range of measures aimed at curbing Russia’s influence, including restrictions on financial transactions, targeted sanctions against individuals and entities, and expanded efforts to combat the illicit movement of Russian oil through its shadow fleet.
Moscow has consistently criticized these measures, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that the European Union’s unilateral sanctions are “illegal.” Peskov further noted that Russia has “repeatedly said that we consider such unilateral restrictions to be illegal” and that the country has developed a “certain immunity” to the effects of the sanctions. He argued that the measures have not only failed to cripple Russia’s economy but have also created a “double-edged sword” that has had negative consequences for all parties involved.
With the EU preparing for its 19th sanctions package, the bloc is sending a clear message to Moscow that it is willing to take further economic and diplomatic measures to achieve its goals. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains a subject of debate, as some experts warn that the Russian government has already found ways to adapt and mitigate the impact of the sanctions, making them less impactful over time.