EU Forecasts 19th Sanctions Package Against Russia as Early as September

The European Union does not intend to lift or weaken the sanctions imposed on Russia, but is instead preparing a new, 19th package of sanctions, which could be adopted as early as September 2025, said Arianna Podesta, deputy chief spokesperson for the European Commission.

The Gaze reports on it, referring to European Pravda.

The European Union is not currently discussing lifting sanctions against Russia, but rather plans to increase sanctions pressure on Russia.

‘Let me be absolutely clear. Europe will maintain pressure on Russia... We have already adopted 18 packages of sanctions and are working on the 19th,’ Podesta said. 

She expressed hope that the EU would be able to adopt the 19th package of sanctions against Russia as early as next month, i.e. in September. 

"We know that sanctions work, and we will maintain pressure on Russia. Everything else is pure speculation. The reality is that Europe continues to maintain full pressure on Russia," Arianna Podesta emphasised.

Two European officials and diplomats from four countries working in Brussels and familiar with the processes surrounding the introduction and implementation of EU sanctions against Russia also stated that there are currently no discussions, even at a technical level, about easing or lifting sanctions.

‘This issue is not on the agenda at the moment. On the contrary, work is continuing to increase the pressure of sanctions on Russia and its economy in order to reduce its ability to wage war against Ukraine. A new, 19th package of sanctions is being discussed,’ one of them confirmed.

Earlier, Western media reported that Ukraine's allies were allegedly already considering easing sanctions against Russia in the event of a truce.

The US also says that Trump will raise the issue of sanctions during his meeting with Putin: sanctions against Russia ‘may be tightened, eased or may have a time limit.’

Trump and Putin will meet in Anchorage, Alaska, on 15 August.