Sanctions
In a resolution dated February 24, 2026, the European Parliament held Russia and Belarus fully responsible for the war in Ukraine and called for increased sanctions. MEPs demand that Russia immediately cease hostilities, withdraw troops, and release deported persons.
The European Commission plans to submit a legal proposal for a permanent ban on Russian oil imports on April 15. This will happen after the parliamentary elections in Hungary, so as not to influence the election campaign.
Australia and New Zealand announced new packages of sanctions and additional financial assistance to Kyiv. This happened on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Germany is increasing its support for Ukraine, raising military aid to 11. 5 billion euros by 2026. The EU is also working on a 90 billion euro loan mechanism for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced new sanctions against 29 Russian entities and 15 organizations. They support aggression and occupation, spread propaganda, and steal cultural values.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the need to block Russia's "shadow fleet" to increase pressure. Hundreds of entities have already been sanctioned, including 48 "shadow fleet" vessels and Transneft.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his readiness to meet with Putin. He also emphasized the importance of pressure from the US and Europe on Putin to end the war.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Russia has not achieved its strategic goals in four years of war, despite colossal losses. According to him, Russia has lost over 500,000 lives, seizing only one percent of Ukraine's territory.
Great Britain has announced its largest sanctions package against Russia, introducing almost 300 new restrictions four years after the full-scale invasion. The sanctions are aimed at reducing Russia's oil revenues, including Transneft and the shadow fleet, as well as military equipment suppliers and financial institutions.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine presented a war plan with three goals: close the sky, stop the enemy on all fronts, and deprive Russia of economic resources. This should lead to the largest budget deficit in the history of the Russian Federation.
Ukraine is ready to constructively resolve the dispute over the 'Druzhba' oil pipeline and has proposed realistic solutions, said Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha. This comes amid Hungary's blocking of an EU loan for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, addressed Ukrainians from a bunker on Bankova Street, where his first conversations with world leaders took place at the beginning of the war. He emphasized the resilience of the Ukrainian people and expressed a desire to one day come there with the US President.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, stated that the strike on the Druzhba oil pipeline was a deliberate act of sabotage by Russia against Hungary and Slovakia. These countries have not condemned Russia's actions, which uses energy dependence as a weapon.
Russian Urals crude oil is selling at its largest discount in almost three years, reaching $30. 62 per barrel relative to Brent. This is a consequence of Western sanctions, particularly those imposed by the United States.
In response to EU plans to close entry for participants in the war against Ukraine, Dmitry Medvedev stated that they could enter without visas, as in 1812 and 1945. Earlier, Kaja Kallas announced work on banning hundreds of thousands of former Russian military personnel from entering the Schengen area.
The President of the European Council, António Costa, urged Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to implement the EU agreement on providing Ukraine with a €90 billion loan. Hungary is blocking this loan and the 20th package of sanctions against Russia.
On February 24, temporary traffic restrictions and changes in public transport operation will be in effect in Kyiv. This is due to security measures involving foreign delegations and events marking the anniversary of the invasion.
The European Union is negotiating with Hungary and Slovakia to unblock the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas noted that diplomatic work continues despite the difficulties.
The European Union is stepping up financial support for Ukraine to strengthen its defense capabilities and doubling contributions to the Energy Support Fund. The EU is also intensifying measures against Russia's shadow fleet and imposing new sanctions for human rights violations.
The recovery of Ukraine's economy over the next decade is estimated at $588 billion. This amount is 12% higher than the previous estimate due to the increasing destruction from the war.
The European Union has extended sanctions against Russia until February 24, 2027. This decision was made due to violations of international law and will come into force on February 24, 2026.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that the EU supports Ukraine, not its own member states. Hungary threatens to block new sanctions against Russia and 90 billion euros in financial aid to Ukraine.
The European Union has imposed sanctions on 8 individuals, including judges, a prosecutor, and an investigator, for human rights violations and repression in Russia. The restrictions include asset freezes and a ban on entry into the EU.
Budapest justified its decision to block the €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine. This caused disappointment among EU foreign ministers.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, announced the expectation of opening three negotiation clusters for Ukraine's EU membership. This was discussed during a meeting with EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius.
In two months of Defence City's special regime operation, only one company has received resident status. Expert Ihor Garbaruk believes that the problem lies in the lack of a systemic approach by the state and the need to refine legislation.
Ukraine considers sanctions against Alexander Lukashenka as a first step. A legal framework is being prepared for further strengthening of the sanctions policy due to support for the war against Ukraine.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that Hungary's and Slovakia's ultimatums should be addressed to the Kremlin. He emphasized the need to increase pressure on Russia and the importance of investing in Ukraine's defense industry.
Hungary threatens to block the EU's support package for Ukraine, including a €90 billion loan, due to disputes over energy supplies. This could leave Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa without EU solutions for Ukraine during their visit on the anniversary of the war.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas announced discussions on the 20th sanctions package, but no progress is expected. Hungary is blocking it due to oil transit.