The European Union is not going to cancel or weaken the sanctions imposed against Russia. Brussels is currently preparing a new, 19th sanctions package, potentially for adoption as early as September 2025.
This was stated on Thursday, August 14, by the deputy chief spokeswoman of the European Commission, Arianna Podesta.
The European Union is not currently discussing the cancellation of sanctions against Russia but, on the contrary, plans to increase sanctions pressure on Russia.
“Let me be absolutely clear. Europe will maintain pressure on Russia… We have already adopted 18 packages of sanctions and are working on the 19th,” Podesta said.
She expressed hope that the EU will be able to adopt the 19th package of sanctions against Russia next month—that is, in September.
“We know that the sanctions are working, and we will keep the pressure on Russia. Everything else is pure speculation. The reality is Europe continues to keep full pressure on Russia,” emphasized Arianna Podesta.
Two European officials and diplomats from four states working in Brussels and familiar with the processes surrounding the introduction and implementation of EU sanctions against Russia also told media that discussions on weakening or lifting the sanctions are not currently underway, even at a technical level.
“The work is underway to strengthen the sanctions pressure on Russia and its economy in order to reduce its ability to wage war against Ukraine. A new, 19th package of sanctions is being discussed,” sources said to EuroPravda.
Earlier, information surfaced in Western media that Ukraine’s allies are allegedly already considering easing sanctions against Russia in the event of a ceasefire.
The US also says that President Trump will use the topic of sanctions during his meeting with Putin: sanctions against Russia “may be strengthened, eased, or may have expiration dates.”
Note that Trump and Putin will convene in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15.
