EU Expected to Approve 19th Sanctions Package Against Russia on October 23 – Kallas

The European Union is preparing to adopt its 19th package of sanctions against Russia later this week, with final approval expected during the European Council summit on Thursday, October 23.

The Gaze reports this, referring to European Pravda, citing EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

Speaking ahead of a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on Monday, Kallas said that the sanctions package, which has faced several weeks of negotiation among member states, is now nearing completion.

“We expect the 19th package of sanctions to be adopted this week,” she told reporters. “Unfortunately, not today – but Thursday’s leaders’ meeting should bring the final decision.”

Kallas also commented on ongoing international efforts to seek peace in Ukraine, noting that while the EU welcomes initiatives aimed at ending the war, Moscow continues to show no genuine interest in negotiation.

“We recognize President Trump’s efforts toward achieving peace in Ukraine,” she said. “But we do not see any sign that Russia truly wants peace. Russia understands only strength and agrees to talks only when it is forced to.”

The sanctions package had been delayed by opposition from Austria and Slovakia. Austria dropped its objections on October 18, removing one of the key hurdles to consensus. 

Vienna had previously demanded that certain Russian assets be unfrozen to compensate Raiffeisen Bank International for penalties imposed by Moscow – a request firmly rejected by other EU governments.

Currently, Slovakia remains the only holdout, pushing for the issue to be discussed directly by EU leaders during Thursday’s summit.

The upcoming sanctions package is part of the EU’s ongoing effort to tighten restrictions on Russia’s military-industrial complex, financial institutions, and networks used to bypass previous sanctions.

Analysts note that this new round will likely focus on closing loopholes in trade and technology transfers, as well as extending restrictions to countries or companies facilitating Russian sanctions evasion.

The European Council’s October 23 meeting will also discuss Ukraine’s EU accession process, defense assistance, and energy security ahead of the winter season.

Read more on The Gaze: The EU’s 19th Sanctions Package: A Strategic Offensive Against the Kremlin’s War Machine