EU levies fresh Russian sanctions, foreign ministers debate next steps

The European Union has adopted a fresh sanctions package on Russia targeting the country's aluminum industry and its so called shadow fleet of oil tankers. 

This is the 16th raft of sanctions imposed by the bloc since 2022 and coincides with the three-year anniversary of the escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. 

Officials say the new measures aim to prevent Russia from circumventing existing sanctions on oil exports. An additional 74 vessels have been blacklisted by the EU bringing the total number of tankers sanctioned to more than 150. 

Also included in the sanctions package are restrictions on gaming controllers used to operate drones and a ban on the import of unwrought aluminum. 

As EU foreign ministers convened in Brussels, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Antonio Costa were in Kyiv. Addressing a forum of world leaders in the Ukrainian capital, Von der Leyen said that the bloc's support for Ukraine will remain unwavering. 

The EU has announced that it's providing Kyiv with more than $3.6 billion in financial support next month. This is in addition to the roughly $145 billion in military, humanitarian and economic assistance provided over the past three years. EU foreign ministers have also been discussing how to provide greater support for Ukrainian forces.

 "We have also put forward a new defense initiative to support Ukraine with ammunition capabilities in the short term, what they need. So I also expect this political discussion to be moved forward," said Kallas, speaking to reporters ahead of the meeting of foreign ministers.

Pressure is building on Ukraine's European allies to take bolder action. The Trump administration has called on its transatlantic partners to step up assistance for Ukraine and boost defense spending.

Europe's collective security was not discussed at Monday's gathering of foreign ministers but an emergency summit of EU leaders has been scheduled for March 6.

Washington has called on European members of NATO to spend at least five percent of annual gross domestic product on defense, up from the military alliance's current two percent benchmark.

"Three percent will not be enough. It's simply not enough," said Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at the 'Support Ukraine' forum in Kyiv. "My guess is that we have a couple of months to take all necessary decisions – otherwise, it will be too late. And being too late cannot be the conclusion. So it's time to stand up for Ukraine, and it's time to stand up for Europe."

Commission President von der Leyen has pledged to present a comprehensive plan at the March meeting of EU leaders to beef up the bloc's defense capabilities and military production while also scaling up Ukraine's defense industry.