EU to approve 19th Russia sanctions package this week, says Kallas

The European Union is set to finalize its nineteenth package of sanctions against Russia later this week, according to the bloc's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Speaking to reporters in Luxembourg on Monday, Kallas confirmed that EU foreign ministers are prioritizing the Ukraine conflict during their discussions, with formal adoption of the new sanctions expected at an upcoming leaders' meeting on Thursday.

Skepticism Toward Russian Diplomacy

Kallas expressed deep skepticism about Russia's commitment to peace, despite recent diplomatic initiatives by US President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest. "Russia only understands strength," Kallas stated, adding that "we don't see Russia really wanting peace." She emphasized that any genuine peace process should directly involve Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, noting "it's actually them who have to agree on this."

Tackling Russia's 'Shadow Fleet'

A key focus of the ministers' discussions involves strengthening enforcement mechanisms against Russia's so-called "shadow fleet"—vessels allegedly used to circumvent Western restrictions on Russian oil exports. Kallas acknowledged the need for more creative approaches to counter Moscow's evasion tactics, stating, "We are discussing with the member states how to better coordinate our actions regarding the shadow fleet. We need to be more creative because they are also creative in bypassing these measures."

Middle East Ceasefire Assessment

The foreign ministers also evaluated the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which Kallas described as "the first stress test" and "a good first phase" toward a more sustainable peace. The EU is working to ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians in Gaza while considering potential measures related to the conflict, though Kallas noted that recent developments have altered the situation, requiring updated discussions about available options.