On March 31, during a joint press conference in Kyiv, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, announced the allocation of an additional €80 million to Ukraine. This funding, sourced from frozen Russian assets, aims to assist in repairing energy facilities and preparing the Ukrainian energy system for the upcoming winter.
Kallas emphasized the importance of international support, stating, “We will mobilize international assistance to provide generators and equipment for the repair of energy facilities to prepare Ukraine’s energy system for the forthcoming winter.” This announcement came after a meeting of EU foreign ministers, highlighting the EU’s commitment to Ukraine amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
“We repeatedly see Ukraine demonstrating its desire for peace, while Russia escalates its attacks. We understand that pressure must be applied to the aggressor, not the victim,” Kallas added. She also mentioned the need for a Special Tribunal to address the crime of aggression.
In addition to the financial support, Kallas reiterated the EU’s stance on the necessity of maintaining pressure on Russia. She noted that a just and lasting peace cannot be achieved without holding Russia accountable for its actions.
On February 6, the European Commission proposed a 20th sanctions package against Russia, targeting its energy sector, banking system, and trade. These new measures aim to further reduce Russia’s oil revenues and complicate the circumvention of sanctions through shadow fleets and cryptocurrencies.
The proposed sanctions include a complete ban on maritime services for transporting Russian crude oil, which is expected to diminish Russia’s energy income and hinder its ability to find buyers. This ban is set to be implemented in coordination with G7 partners.
Furthermore, the EU plans to expand sanctions against shadow fleets by adding 43 vessels to the list, bringing the total to 640 ships under restrictions. A total ban on maintenance and other services for LNG tankers and icebreakers is also anticipated, affecting Russian gas export projects and complementing existing restrictions on liquefied gas imports.
The second set of measures focuses on Russia’s financial system. The sanctions list is expected to include an additional 20 regional banks, alongside restrictions on the use of cryptocurrencies and platforms that facilitate the circumvention of sanctions. Banks from third countries that assist in trading sanctioned goods may also face restrictions.
The EU has committed an additional €80 million to support Ukraine's energy infrastructure, sourced from frozen Russian assets. This funding is part of broader sanctions aimed at reducing Russia's economic capabilities amid ongoing hostilities.