Sibiga called for the expansion of the EU's 20th package of sanctions against Russia
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that even the belated approval of the 20th package of sanctions by the European Union is already insufficient—the restrictions must be significantly strengthened and expanded.
He made this remark during a conversation with journalists in Kyiv.
Sybiga noted that the adoption of the new sanctions package was expected as early as February 24, but at that time, the decision was blocked by certain EU countries.
“We believe that it is no longer enough for sanctions to simply be adopted; they must also be part of an expanded package. A considerable amount of time has passed since February 24. Our understanding has grown, as has the need to target the Russians, their industry, their ‘shadow fleet,’ and their maritime services,” the minister said.
According to him, Ukraine insists on a tougher approach to sanctions policy, taking into account new challenges and Russia’s methods of circumventing restrictions.
The agenda for the meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the EU (Coreper), scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, includes two key issues: amendments to the EU’s long-term budget for 2021–2027 to enable a €90 billion loan to Ukraine in 2026–2027, as well as the 20th package of sanctions against Russia.
Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, during which they discussed the release of a large-scale financial package, the tightening of sanctions against Russia, and Ukraine’s next steps on the path to the European Union. The discussion focused on decisions that could impact both Ukraine’s economic stability and the EU’s political stance regarding the war.
