EU prepares 19th sanctions package against Russia: what will be included in the new list.

According to FREEДOM:

Discussion of new sanctions and reparations

In Copenhagen (Denmark), a two-day informal meeting of the foreign and defense ministers of European Union countries took place. Over two days, participants discussed defense issues, military investments, and security guarantees for Ukraine. Among the topics were the 19th sanctions package against Russia and mechanisms for compensating damages caused by the Kremlin's aggression during the war with Ukraine. The details of the meeting were reported by a FREEДОМ correspondent in Europe.

Details of the two days

In the first part of the discussion, the main focus was on military assistance to Ukraine and possible security guarantees. On the second day, participants looked at the use of frozen Russian assets and measures to strengthen sanctions against Russia. Following the discussions, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs, Kaja Kallas, appealed to countries for proposals for the 19th sanctions package, which is to be presented next week.

“Today, the ministers discussed ways to further pressure Russia to genuinely sit down at the negotiating table with Ukraine. Sanctions are working—they have deprived Russia of tens of billions of euros for financing its war. The ministers discussed possible components of the next package of restrictions, including secondary sanctions against those supporting Russia's war, as well as tariffs on Russian products and import bans. We need to intensify efforts to combat the shadow fleet,” said Kaja Kallas.

Experience of the Danish presidency

Kallas emphasized that instead of preparing for peace, Russia launched one of the largest air attacks of the entire war, resulting in civilian casualties. In this situation, pressure on Moscow should only increase. Issues regarding frozen Russian assets were discussed, and although the positions of the countries vary here, everyone agrees that Russia should not get them back until it pays reparations.

“The ministers acknowledged the need to address the issue of Ukraine's funding shortfall, and to hold Russia accountable for the damages caused. This is impossible if these assets are returned to Russia before reparations are paid,” Kaja Kallas stated.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, who joined the meeting via video link, spoke about the high level of diplomatic activity expected next week. He called on European colleagues for full diplomatic mobilization to support Ukraine.

“I informed my colleagues about the escalation of terror by Russia and thanked the EU for decisive actions in response to new attacks. Only strong transatlantic unity can compel Russia to choose peace over terror,” Andriy Sybiha reported.

The Danish presidency of the EU Council actively supports Ukraine through the 'Danish scheme', which involves investments in Ukraine's defense industry. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced that in 2025, the country plans to invest approximately 1.5 billion euros to support Ukraine's military production.

“We, the Danes, do not spend a lot of money on gifts related to the presidency. But this is a pen—and it is made from Ukrainian shells collected on the battlefield. I hope you will like this gift,” said Lars Løkke Rasmussen.

At the conclusion of the meeting, ministers made progress in discussing the new sanctions package and mechanisms for utilizing frozen Russian assets. The results of the discussions will soon be presented in the 19th sanctions package and measures to support Ukraine.

In summary, it should be noted that the meeting in Copenhagen was an important step in the framework of international support for Ukraine. Participants agreed on further actions regarding sanctions against Russia and will seek new ways to ensure financing and support for Ukrainian efforts against aggression. This dialogue confirms the growing unity of Europe on the issue of supporting Ukraine.