Kyiv/Brussels: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday extended his appreciation to the European Union for adopting its 17th sanctions package against Russia, while stressing the urgent need for stronger, targeted measures to halt Russian aggression and bolster Ukraine’s path to EU membership.
Zelenskyy held a conversation with European Council President António Costa, in which he discussed escalating Russia sanctions, Ukraine’s EU accession process, and the broader international diplomatic landscape.
“As always, I had a very substantive conversation with the President of the European Council, António Costa. I informed him of our diplomatic efforts, and we discussed possible next steps. I thanked him for the adoption of the EU’s 17th sanctions package against Russia,” Zelenskyy wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Push for Tougher Sanctions
Zelenskyy urged that the next round of sanctions must intensify economic pressure on Moscow by directly targeting:
- Russia’s energy sector
- Banking institutions
- The shadow fleet, which includes not only vessels transporting sanctioned oil but also the crews operating them
“It should include the energy sector, banking sector, and the shadow fleet — not only the vessels themselves, but also the crews operating them,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
President Costa reportedly confirmed that if Russia refuses to cease fire, additional sanctions of this nature would be forthcoming.
EU Sanctions: What’s in the 17th Package?
The European Council said its 17th sanctions package represents one of its most comprehensive yet, aiming to:
- Restrict access to critical military technologies
- Crack down on hybrid threats and human rights violations
- Curb the use of riot control agents by Russian forces in Ukraine
Additionally, the EU expanded individual sanctions within the shadow fleet ecosystem, targeting:
- Shipping companies responsible for dangerous maritime transport of Russian oil
- Entities operating from the UAE, Turkey, and Hong Kong
The measures include asset freezes and funding bans for organizations that help Russia bypass maritime sanctions.
Coordinated Global Pressure: UK & US Involvement
The EU action follows similar moves by the United Kingdom, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced 100 new sanctions targeting:
- Russian financial institutions
- Military suppliers
- Shadow oil shipment networks
Zelenskyy thanked Starmer for the move and reiterated his call for greater US engagement to ensure a coordinated global effort to isolate Moscow diplomatically and economically.
“The need for a unified international response is critical. The pressure must be escalated if we are to reach a lasting peace,” Zelenskyy told the UK PM in a call on Tuesday.
Ukraine’s EU Aspirations: Negotiation Clusters in Focus
Zelenskyy and Costa also discussed unblocking the opening of negotiation clusters for Ukraine’s EU membership bid — a crucial step for Kyiv as it seeks closer alignment with Europe amidst ongoing war.
“We also discussed the opening of negotiation clusters for Ukraine’s EU membership. It is important to find a solution that will allow the process to be unblocked,” Zelenskyy noted.
Conclusion
As the war drags on, Zelenskyy’s focus remains twofold: increasing international sanctions pressure on Moscow while pushing for Ukraine’s deeper integration into the European Union. With backing from Brussels and London, attention now turns to Washington — and whether it will answer Kyiv’s call to tighten the noose around Russia’s war economy.