Ukrainian Foreign Minister Calls for Tougher Sanctions on Russia

(Kyiv) – Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has reiterated the need for stronger sanctions to pressure Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sybiha dismissed Russian propaganda claims that sanctions are ineffective, stressing their critical role in weakening the Kremlin’s operations.

“We must make them more effective,” Sybiha wrote. He called for tightening enforcement, eliminating loopholes, and escalating measures against several sectors, including the shadow fleet, metallurgy, LNG-gas, frozen assets, atomic energy, military industry, and IT infrastructure. These actions, he emphasised, would amplify the pressure on Moscow.

The European Union has been incrementally implementing sanctions against Russia. In December 2024, the EU adopted its 15th package, targeting Russian oligarchs, trade, and industries linked to the war effort. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on December 18 that preparations for the 16th sanctions package were underway. According to journalist Rikard Jozwiak from Radio Liberty, a draft of this package could be presented to member states later this month.

Sanctions have been a cornerstone of the international response to Russia’s aggression, and Ukraine continues to call for unity and vigilance in enforcing them. Sybiha’s statement underlines the urgency of maintaining and increasing economic and political pressure on Moscow.