Kallas Updates on EU Plans for Sanctions and Energy Assistance to Ukraine
During the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on October 20, 2025, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas announced key initiatives to support Ukraine and restrict Russia's actions.
The Gaze reports on it, referring to Interfax-Ukraine.
Kaja Kallas reported that during discussions at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg, 25 member states agreed to join the work of the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
According to her, the creation of the tribunal was made possible by the allocation of €10 million announced last week in Kyiv, bringing the EU closer to the start of the judicial body's work. Kallas noted that after receiving cost estimates from the Netherlands, the tribunal will be able to begin its work.
She stressed that responsibility for the war and its consequences must be placed on Putin's regime, and the tribunal will be a key tool for ensuring justice and international accountability.
In addition, Kallas announced the appointment of a special envoy to coordinate the fight against Russia's “shadow fleet,” which finances the war and acts as a launching pad for hybrid attacks.
“Today, ministers discussed a more decisive response, including expanding powers to board ships belonging to the ‘shadow fleet’. I have also appointed a special envoy, who is now the coordinator, to gather best practices from various EU member states and to act more quickly on these issues,” she said.
The High Representative for Foreign Affairs also confirmed that after the adoption of the 19th package of sanctions, the EU will continue to work on the next one.
She also called on member states to support Ukraine's energy security, in particular by increasing gas supplies and repair equipment.
“Ukraine needs more military support, as well as more financial support. Today, ministers discussed the European Commission's proposal to mobilize frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's immediate defense needs,” added European Union's foreign policy chief.
As The Gaze informed earlier, 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.