EU vows to raise the cost of Russia’s war with new sanctions package
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Photo: Getty Images)
To compel Russia to come to the negotiating table, the EU is preparing a new package of sanctions against the aggressor. At the same time, Russian assets in the European Union remain frozen for the long term, according to a statement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Summing up the Berlin negotiations, attended by representatives of the EU, the US, and Ukraine, von der Leyen stated that the bloc is preparing new anti-Russian sanctions.
She emphasized that the EU is working on every step necessary to ultimately end the bloodshed. The first step to be taken is a solid ceasefire.
“The path to get there is known. Russia must feel sustained pressure to come to the negotiating table – not for show, but for results. To this end, Europe will continue to raise the cost of Russia's war. We have a new sanctions package in preparation. And we have immobilised Russian assets in the EU over the long term,” von der Leyen said, according to the EC press service.
The European Commission President also highlighted two other crucial steps toward peace: security guarantees for Ukraine and its economic recovery. She stressed that, in any peace agreement, territorial issues must be decided by Kyiv.
Von der Leyen emphasized, in her capacity as EU High Representative, that Europe will remain Ukraine’s strongest and most reliable partner.
“We are committed to the reconstruction and the future prosperity of Ukraine. Europe will remain its strongest and most reliable partner. We have proposed to cover two-thirds of Ukraine's financing needs for the next two years, around €90 billion. So the discussions this week at the European Council will be decisive,” the EC President stated.
Russian assets, sanctions, and a reparations loan for Ukraine
Recently, the European Union froze Russian assets worth €210 billion indefinitely, removing the previous requirement to renew the measure every six months.
The EU is currently considering providing Ukraine with a reparations loan secured by these frozen Russian assets.
Regarding EU sanctions against Russia, media reports indicate that the upcoming 20th sanctions package will target Russia’s nuclear sector, oil, and steel industries. Additionally, Russia’s so-called shadow fleet will again be a focus of restrictions.
For context, in October 2025, the EU officially approved the 19th sanctions package against Russia. That package aimed to reduce Kremlin revenues, prevent sanctions evasion via third countries, and address the shadow fleet.
