European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on 16 October that the European Union would maintain its sanctions against Russia until Moscow ends its war in Ukraine, as European leaders gathered in Brussels for the second day of the European Council summit. “One thing is absolutely clear: We will not lift any sanctions unless Russia stops the war,” she declared alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Council President António Costa. Von der Leyen announced that the EU is preparing its 22nd package of sanctions against Russia, arguing that economic pressure should increase rather than ease. She also accused Moscow of failing to observe the energy ceasefire proposed by US President Donald Trump, saying Russian attacks had instead intensified. Her remarks come amid growing differences between Brussels and Washington over their approaches to Russia. The Trump administration’s recent agreement involving Russian diesel has drawn criticism from Kyiv and several European leaders, who warn that easing restrictions could reduce economic pressure on Moscow. Costa similarly called for continued sanctions and stronger European support for Ukraine. The summit’s discussions also centre on Ukraine’s immediate needs ahead of winter, including air defence, protection of energy and water infrastructure, and financial assistance for 2027. Zelenskyy urged European partners to maintain support as Ukraine faces further Russian attacks and budgetary pressures. EU leaders are also reviewing Ukraine’s progress towards membership, with von der Leyen expressing support for opening the two remaining negotiating clusters before the end of 2026. The statement underscores the EU leadership’s intention to link sanctions relief to an end to the war, even as transatlantic positions on Russia diverge. #europeanunion #russia #ukraine #europe #sanctions - @forum.europaeum