EU Prepares Major New Russia Sanctions as Pressure Builds Over Ukraine

The European Union is preparing what its foreign-policy chief says will be its most far-reaching sanctions package against Russia yet, signalling that Europe intends to increase economic pressure on Moscow rather than ease restrictions as diplomatic efforts continue over the war in Ukraine.

The planned measures are expected in the autumn and could significantly broaden the economic sectors and entities targeted by European restrictions.

The announcement is important because diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war have continued alongside military operations. Ukraine has already submitted proposals to US negotiators outlining possible steps towards ending the conflict, while Russia says its summer military campaign has captured 19 settlements in southeastern Ukraine.

The European position indicates that negotiations will not automatically translate into sanctions relief. Instead, European governments appear determined to maintain economic leverage until they see substantial movement towards a settlement acceptable to Ukraine.

Why it matters: Europe is attempting to ensure that any future peace settlement is not shaped exclusively by Washington and Moscow. A significantly expanded sanctions package would strengthen the EU's bargaining position while increasing economic pressure on Russia.

Source: Reuters, 17 August 2026.