EU Prepares New Russia Sanctions as Kallas Says War Dynamics Shift in Ukraine's Favor
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 28
EU Prepares New Russia Sanctions as Kallas Says War Dynamics Shift in Ukraine's Favor
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 28
Another EU sanctions package is already being prepared, with foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas saying Russia is now on the back foot militarily, economically and diplomatically.
Kyiv's latest strikes showed Moscow still has no genuine interest in peace, she said, prompting EU ministers to insist an unconditional ceasefire must come before any negotiations.
Kallas said Europe will not act as a neutral mediator because it backs Ukraine and its own security interests, rejecting any legal recognition of occupied Ukrainian territory and calling for limits on Russia's military.
The EU also wants Russia to halt sabotage, cyberattacks, election interference and airspace violations across Europe, while using trade, investment and market access to pressure countries still doing business with Moscow.
As Russia rebuilds its military, can Europe's defense strategy win the race against time?
Is Europe’s hardline stance inadvertently creating a permanently militarized Russian adversary?
With Russia waging a war on reality, how can democracies defend citizens' trust?
The EU’s 20th and 21st Sanctions Packages: Escalating Economic Pressure on Russia and Enhanced Support for Ukraine
Overview
The European Union has responded to Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine by intensifying economic pressure, most notably through the adoption of its 20th sanctions package in April 2026. This package, implemented via Council Regulation (EU) 2026/506, targets a wide range of sectors and individuals, including nearly two dozen Russians involved in the abduction of Ukrainian children. The EU’s measures focus on closing loopholes and introducing robust anti-circumvention tools to prevent Russia from exploiting European goods for military use. These actions reflect the EU’s commitment to strengthening sanctions and supporting Ukraine amid the evolving conflict.