European Union member states are reportedly preparing a sweeping 20th sanctions package against Russia, slated for approval around the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (February 24, 2026). According to sources within EU diplomacy, revealed in a report by “Welt”, the package aims to further constrict the Russian economy and hold Moscow accountable for its ongoing aggression.
The proposed measures include targeted travel restrictions and asset freezes against additional individuals and organizations, with a particular focus on those implicated in the forced deportation and ideological indoctrination of Ukrainian children. Diplomats indicate further restrictions within the energy and banking sectors are also under consideration. Crucially, the package seeks to aggressively close loopholes utilized to circumvent previous sanctions, a recurring challenge for enforcement.
Debate is centered around a potential ban on the import of Russian uranium, effectively targeting Rosatom, Russia’s Federal Atomic Energy Agency. Resistance to this proposal, however, is emerging from nations like France and Belgium, highlighting the complexities of achieving unified EU action.
While the EU previously implemented a sanctions package on October 23rd, including a complete ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) beginning in 2027 and targeting third-party companies – notably Chinese refineries and traders handling Russian oil – the perceived need to intensify pressure remains. The recent sanctioning of 41 vessels involved in Russia’s “shadow fleet” designed to circumvent European energy sanctions, underscores the ongoing efforts to disrupt evasion tactics.
Beyond punitive economic measures, substantial discussions are underway concerning the potential deployment of a multinational force to monitor a future ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Diplomatic circles reveal that detailed plans for bolstering Ukraine’s security, developed collaboratively by military experts from the UK and France alongside Brussels, are already in place.
France and the United Kingdom appear willing to offer robust security guarantees, potentially including commitments to deploy ground troops to enforce a ceasefire. Initial estimates, based on contributions from participating nations, suggest a potential force of 10,000 to 15,000 personnel for the initial six-month phase. Significantly, both countries are reportedly prepared to act without a mandate from the United Nations or the European Union, relying instead on an invitation from the Ukrainian government.
The plan envisions neighboring countries, with potential Turkish involvement in the Black Sea region, assuming responsibility for monitoring the ceasefire from the air and sea.
