Emerging
May 26, 20261
EU begins work on 21st sanctions package against Russia, von der Leyen says
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in Vilnius that the EU is preparing a 21st package of sanctions against Russia. She also said the bloc has approved 90 billion euros in funding for Ukraine to help it negotiate from a position of strength.
Quick Facts
- announced work on a 21st sanctions package against Russia
- said the economic impact of the war is affecting Russian citizens
- said the EU approved funding for Ukraine
- Ursula von der Leyen
- European Commission
The European Union has started work on a 21st package of sanctions against Russia, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at a press conference in Vilnius. She said the bloc is preparing the next round of measures as the economic impact of the war is increasingly being felt by ordinary Russians.
Von der Leyen said the new sanctions effort is aimed at increasing pressure on Russia. In her remarks, she said Russian people are feeling the effects of the conflict in their daily lives.
She also said the EU has approved 90 billion euros in funding for Ukraine. According to von der Leyen, the support is intended to help Ukraine negotiate from a position of strength.
The comments came in Vilnius on May 26, as the EU continued to broaden its response to Russia's war in Ukraine through sanctions and financial support for Kyiv.
Why This Matters
This signals that the EU is preparing to sustain or intensify economic pressure on Russia while keeping financial support for Ukraine in place. For readers, it may affect energy, trade, and sanctions compliance decisions, and it suggests that further restrictions on Russian individuals, firms, or sectors could follow soon.
Timeline & Sources
May 26, 2026
WireVon der Leyen spoke at a press conference in Vilnius about new sanctions and EU funding for Ukraine.
May 26, 2026
WireTASS published a report quoting Ursula von der Leyen on the EU's preparation of a 21st sanctions package against Russia.