Von der Leyen: European Commission preparing new Russia sanctions package and 2027 Ukraine financial plan

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced the preparation of a new package of restrictive measures against Russia, alongside a financial proposal to secure Ukraine's needs for 2027. She made this statement ahead of the European Political Community summit in Dublin, emphasizing that both initiatives are scheduled to be officially presented before the next European Council meeting, set for November 26–27.

22nd sanctions package and funding for Ukraine in 2027

According to the European Commission chief, Brussels is working on the 22nd package of sanctions against Russia. Simultaneously, a detailed proposal is being formed to cover Ukraine's financial requirements for 2027. Von der Leyen indicated that both documents would be presented before the European Council meeting on November 26–27, setting a specific deadline for securing agreement among EU leaders.

Peace talks in Abu Dhabi and Europe's role

Von der Leyen separately commented on the peace talks in Abu Dhabi, which she described as "very welcome." The Commission President noted the importance of Europeans being represented at these talks, both to protect EU interests and at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. EU leaders, she said, intend to discuss the progress and results of these negotiations on the sidelines of the Dublin summit.

What has already been agreed: 145 entities and the "shadow fleet"

Recall that EU ambassadors previously agreed on a new sanctions package targeting 145 individuals and entities. The restrictions cover Russian banks, "shadow fleet" vessels, as well as individuals involved in cyberattacks and the dissemination of disinformation. Furthermore, at the end of October, Ukraine submitted six sanctions packages to the EU targeting Russian companies engaged in the development and production of ballistic missiles.

Package numbering: data discrepancies

However, the numbering of the upcoming package is being reported differently in open sources. According to RBC-Ukraine and statements by von der Leyen herself, it is the 22nd package. At the same time, the publication Politico, cited by Forbes and Korrespondent among others, reports on the initiation of the 23rd sanctions package. In both cases, the fact that the Commission is working on a new package is confirmed; the discrepancy concerns only the serial number.