EU pushing new sanctions on Russia, expanding aid to Ukraine

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Wednesday that the European Union is preparing a 19th round of sanctions against Russia while boosting military and financial aid for Ukraine. Speaking in her annual State of the Union address, she said the package will target Russia’s “shadow fleet” and accelerate the phase-out of Russian fossil fuels.

Von der Leyen noted that the EU has already committed nearly €170 billion ($199 billion) in assistance to Ukraine and is working on long-term financing, including a “Reparations Loan” tied to frozen Russian assets. She also unveiled plans for a new “Drone Alliance” with Ukraine, as well as an “Eastern Flank Watch” system that includes space surveillance and a proposed “drone wall” along the EU’s eastern border.

Separately, the United Kingdom pledged its largest military aid package yet—£4.5 billion ($6.1 billion) in 2025—and confirmed plans to mass produce Ukrainian-designed interceptor drones to help counter Russian missile and drone attacks.

Credit: CGTN