Ukraine Urges EU to Lead on Tougher Russia Sanctions as US Stance Wavers
In a move to ramp up pressure on Moscow, Ukraine has announced that it will call on the European Union to spearhead significant new measures to isolate Russia, including the seizure of Russian assets and the implementation of sanctions on some buyers of Russian oil. This comes as the United States, under President Donald Trump, has signaled a withdrawal from tightening the existing sanctions regime.
The decision by Ukraine to turn to the EU for leadership on this issue underscores the growing concern within the country over the perceived waning commitment of the US to the sanctions campaign against Russia. With the Trump administration showing signs of backing off from further strengthening the punitive measures, Ukraine is seeking to rally its European allies to pick up the mantle and drive the sanctions agenda forward.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Ukraine will present its proposals to the EU during high-level meetings scheduled for next week. The Ukrainian government is expected to urge the bloc to consider a range of new steps, including the confiscation of Russian-owned assets within the EU’s jurisdiction and the imposition of penalties on companies and individuals engaged in the purchase of Russian oil.
The push for tougher EU-led sanctions reflects Ukraine’s belief that a more robust and coordinated international response is necessary to compel Russia to end its ongoing aggression in the region. The country has long been at the forefront of the efforts to maintain and strengthen the sanctions regime against Moscow, which was first implemented in 2014 following Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its support for separatist forces in eastern Ukraine.
However, the Trump administration’s apparent reluctance to further tighten the sanctions has raised concerns within Ukraine and among its Western allies about the future of the sanctions strategy. The US has been a key driver of the sanctions campaign, and any wavering of its commitment could undermine the overall effectiveness of the measures.
By turning to the EU, Ukraine is hoping to rally its European partners to take a more assertive stance and demonstrate a united front against Russian aggression. The success of this initiative will depend on the willingness of the EU member states to embrace the proposed new sanctions and to coordinate their efforts with the Ukrainian government and other international partners.
