EU plans to extend sanctions against Russia - Espreso correspondent from Brussels

Espreso journalist Tetyana Vysotska reported that European Commissioner for Economy, Productivity, Implementation, and Simplification, Valdis Dombrovskis, confirmed the EU's intention to maintain sanctions against Russia. 

According to him, given the current administration's actions in the U.S., the EU must take responsibility for its own security, including its sanctions policy. Brussels is currently working on the 16th package of sanctions against Russia.

Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski, whose country currently holds the EU presidency, also confirmed that the new sanctions package is being prepared, with the EU focusing on preventing circumvention of existing sanctions. 

"The final decision on sanctions will not be made immediately; the 16th package is expected to be announced on the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2025. On that day, the European Commission will visit Kyiv, led by President Ursula von der Leyen," Vysotska reported. 

The EU Economic and Finance Council is currently meeting in Brussels. The agenda includes increased defense spending, aid to Ukraine, and new EU restrictions on Russia. Vysotska noted that the most critical issue for Ukraine at this summit is the preservation of the sanctions regime against Russia, despite the ongoing U.S.-Russia negotiations.

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the EU's support for Ukraine is at least on par with, or possibly equal to, that of the United States.