Sanctions on Russia must be fully aligned in coming weeks - Ukrainian FM

"President Trump's stance toward Moscow is realistic and firm in light of Putin's rejection of peace efforts. We appreciate his clarity and strength," Sybiha noted.

He emphasized that the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin rejects a ceasefire, avoids meetings with leaders, and is dragging out the war.

According to the minister, the Kremlin head will only stop the terror once we break the backbone of his economy—which already has systemic issues—and cut off funding for his military budget. The United States, Europe, and the Group of Seven have the necessary strength to do so.

"The maximum synchronization of sanctions is critical. Right now, we can see momentum. The time has come to consolidate a single and strong sanctions fist and hit Russia's war budget with full force," said the Foreign Minister.

He reminded that Russian officials recently boasted that they are supposedly fighting the entire West alone.

According to Sybiha, they need this cheap propaganda to explain to their population why such a large country like Russia has failed to achieve any strategic objectives in its full-scale war against a much smaller Ukraine for over three years.

"But if they see themselves as lone heroes confronting the entire West, let them feel the entire West's consolidated strength through maximum sanctions pressure. ey see themselves as heroes standing alone against the entire West—then let them feel the consolidated power of the West and maximum sanctions pressure," the minister added.

As the Foreign Minister noted, Ukraine is responsibly aligning its national sanctions with those of its allies. In recent weeks, Ukraine quickly synchronized previous EU sanction packages, and this work continues.

Ukraine is also working with its allies to eliminate loopholes and prevent Russia from accessing technologies.

"The next weeks must see maximum synchronization of all partners' sanctions against Russia to increase the cost of war for the aggressor. We are actively working with partners to achieve this," Sybiha noted.

Sanctions against Russia

As a reminder, the EU recently adopted its 18th sanctions package against Russia. It includes 22 banks, four companies linked to the Russian Direct Investment Fund, 26 entities associated with Russia’s military-industrial complex, and others.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas called the 18th sanctions package one of the strongest since the start of the full-scale war.

According to Estonia’s Foreign Minister, Brussels is already working on the next sanctions package.

Recently, it was also reported that Ukraine has synchronized with European sanctions and introduced new restrictions targeting Russia’s critical resources.

Moreover, the EU is already working on the 19th sanctions package, with Ukraine having submitted its proposals to Brussels.

Additionally, on July 28, US President Donald Trump shortened the 50-day deadline he had given Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to reach a truce with Ukraine.

According to the American leader, the Kremlin leader now has 10–12 days left.

Earlier, Trump also announced plans to impose 100% secondary tariffs on countries that continue trading with Russia.

Furthermore, the U.S. leader noted that he is considering not only secondary tariffs but also secondary sanctions against Russia.