'Sequencing of steps is important': EU preparing new sanctions package against Russia
Photo: EU high representative for foreign affairs Kaja Kallas (Getty Images)
The European Union is preparing its 19th package of sanctions against Russia and insists on an unconditional ceasefire, rejecting any concessions to Moscow.
This was stated by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, according to Reuters.
On Monday, August 11, EU foreign ministers held an online conference ahead of the planned August 15 summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
During the conference, Kaja Kallas said the EU is already preparing its 19th package of sanctions against Russia.
Later, speaking to journalists, Kallas stressed that as long as Moscow does not agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire, there can be no concessions from the European Union.
"The sequencing of the steps is important. First an unconditional ceasefire with a strong monitoring system and ironclad security guarantees," she said, adding that "we will work on a 19th package of sanctions".
Kallas emphasized that the EU is determined to increase pressure on Russia to force it to end the war in a way that leaves Putin no chance to return and resume aggression. According to her, Ukraine’s right to exist as a sovereign state is now under threat.
The EU’s top diplomat also said the bloc intends to continue supporting Ukraine in both the military and financial sectors.
Transatlantic unity, support to Ukraine and pressure on Russia is how we will end this war and prevent future Russian aggression in Europe.
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) August 11, 2025
EU sanctions against Russia
The first EU sanctions packages were introduced immediately after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. They included trade restrictions, financial transaction limits, asset freezes, and travel bans for key Russian figures.
Subsequent Western sanctions blocked Russia’s access to foreign aircraft and spare parts. As a result, Russian aircraft manufacturers delivered only one of the 15 planned commercial aircraft this year.
Recently, the EU adopted its 18th sanctions package against Russia. The list included 22 banks, four companies linked to the Russian Direct Investment Fund, 26 entities connected to the Russian defense industry, and more.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has called the 18th sanctions package one of the strongest since the start of the full-scale war.
In recent days, EU leaders have urged Donald Trump to defend the interests of Ukraine and Europe.
