The European Union proposes a full ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas from January 1, 2027. The EU also proposes to ban transactions with more Russian banks and trade restrictions for companies in China and India.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas presented a new package of sanctions against Russia, covering energy, financial services, and trade restrictions. The import of Russian LNG is prohibited, and sanctions are also imposed against 118 shadow fleet vessels and large energy companies.
The European Commission has confirmed the adoption of a new package of sanctions against Russia. It will be presented by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas this afternoon.
The European Commission informed EU member state ambassadors about the expected 19th package of sanctions against Russia on Friday, September 19, or Monday, September 22. EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas emphasized the need to increase pressure on Russian banks, energy companies, and cryptocurrency exchanges.
The European Union is considering tightening restrictions on tourist visas for Russian citizens and imposing restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats within the bloc.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas called the incursion of a Russian drone into Romanian airspace a "reckless escalation. " She noted that this is an unacceptable violation of the sovereignty of EU member states, which threatens regional security.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas stated that some allies have shown readiness to send a contingent to Ukraine, realizing that stopping Russia there is cheaper than at the EU's doorstep. She compared the situation to 1938 and emphasized that if Ukraine loses, Europe's security will be at risk.
The European Union has extended personal sanctions against Russians, without removing any oligarchs or war criminals from them. This decision was made after the escalation and provocation by Russia, such as the drone attack on Poland.
The European Union extended sanctions against Russia on September 12. Work on the 19th package of sanctions is also nearing completion.
The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs predicts at least two more years of war in Ukraine. She points to the weakness of European diplomacy and the lack of consensus.
Russian kamikaze drones, while attacking Ukraine, violated Polish airspace, causing international resonance. World leaders call for increased support for Ukraine and the defense of Europe.
China will strengthen strategic communications and deepen cooperation with the DPRK, Xi Jinping wrote in a congratulatory message to Kim Jong Un. The leader of the PRC emphasized the consistent and unwavering strategic policy of the Communist Party of China and the government regarding the development of relations with the DPRK.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha discussed with representatives of the EU and Canada the strengthening of sanctions against Russia. He informed about the escalation of attacks and emphasized the need to strengthen air defense and energy resilience.
EU countries failed to reach an agreement on recognizing the Gaza Strip and suspending free trade with Israel. EU's chief diplomat Kaja Kallas stated that the lack of unity affects trust in the EU.
In Copenhagen, EU foreign ministers are discussing strengthening sanctions pressure on Russia and using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's reconstruction. Humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip is also being discussed.
The European Union is considering options to speed up foreign policy decision-making to avoid blockages. Hungary is blocking a number of initiatives in support of Ukraine and against Russia.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the return of frozen Russian assets is only possible if reparations are paid. This issue will be discussed at an informal meeting of foreign ministers in Copenhagen.
Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal urged European colleagues to accelerate the preparation of security guarantees for Ukraine. He outlined five priorities, including equipping the Armed Forces of Ukraine and defense-industrial integration.
Hungary, the only one of the 27 EU members, did not sign the EU statement condemning Russia's massive attack on Kyiv on August 28. The EU statement condemns Russia's attack on civilians and infrastructure, calling it a war crime.
EU defense ministers supported expanding the mandate of the EU Military Assistance Mission to train Ukrainian military personnel after any truce. The EU has already trained over 80,000 Ukrainian soldiers and is ready to do more.
The European Union has strongly condemned Russia's large-scale attacks on Ukraine, which have resulted in civilian casualties. The statement, published on the EU's official website, emphasizes the unacceptability of attacks on civilian infrastructure and promises further support for Ukraine.
The European Union is developing the 19th package of sanctions against Russia. Various options for restrictions are being considered.
The European Commission is developing a mechanism to transfer nearly 200 billion euros of immobilized Russian assets for Ukraine's post-war reconstruction. This option involves moving the assets into riskier investments to generate higher returns, as well as creating a special purpose fund.
The massive night attack on Kyiv provoked strong statements from the EU, calling the attack a deliberate escalation. The EU representation was affected, people died, over 30 injured.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha discussed Ukraine's position on security guarantees with the US Secretary of State and European counterparts. Ukraine is ready for meetings at the leaders' level to end the war and strengthen sanctions against Russia.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed with European ministers and Ukraine diplomatic efforts to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian war. The parties agreed to coordinate efforts for a negotiated settlement.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, stated that Russia does not want to end the war, but is only stalling for time.
The European Union will discuss military support for Ukraine this week, including security guarantees. They will also consider the use of proceeds from frozen Russian assets and the 19th package of sanctions.
Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár stated that attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline threaten fuel supplies to Ukraine. The Slovak plant Slovnaft provides 10% of Ukraine's diesel consumption.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the Kremlin's demands are a trap that will reward the aggressor. She emphasized that concessions to Russia will not lead to peace, but will only strengthen its impunity.
