Russia-Ukraine war: Zelenskyy welcomes Trump's sanctions on Russia

Key Concepts

• US Sanctions on Russia: New sanctions imposed by the US targeting Russian oil companies.
• EU Sanctions on Russia: The 19th package of EU sanctions, focusing on energy revenue and LNG imports.
• Frozen Russian Assets: The proposal to use seized Russian assets to fund Ukraine's rebuilding and military support.
• Belgium's Opposition: The specific concerns raised by Belgium regarding the use of frozen Russian assets.
• EU Climate Ambitions: The bloc's goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

US Sanctions on Russia

Ukraine has welcomed the latest set of sanctions imposed by US President Donald Trump on Russia. These sanctions, the first since Trump took office in January, target two of Russia's largest oil companies: Rosneft and Lukoil. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described these sanctions as a "strong and much-needed message" and a "clear signal that prolonging the war should come at a cost." President Trump stated that he imposed these tariffs after discussions with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, regarding ending the war had "not go[ne] anywhere." Although the US leader had delayed imposing sanctions on Moscow for months, he proceeded after plans for a new summit in Budapest collapsed. President Trump expressed hope that the sanctions would be "short-lived" and that the war would be settled.

EU Sanctions on Russia (19th Package)

Russia is also facing a "double whammy" with the European Union imposing its own package of sanctions. This 19th round of EU sanctions targets key Russian energy revenue, including a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. President Zelenskyy welcomed these measures, calling for increased pressure to compel Russia to negotiate a ceasefire. He emphasized the importance of both American and European sanctions, stating, "This is a good signal to other countries in the world to join the sanctions." Zelenskyy further elaborated that sanctions should extend beyond energy to include measures like a "shadow fleet" and continue until Putin stops the war.

EU Leaders Summit and Support for Ukraine

European leaders are meeting in Brussels with President Zelenskyy to reaffirm their support for Kyiv. A significant item on their agenda is the use of seized Russian assets to fund Ukraine, a move President Zelenskyy has been advocating for to happen "as soon as possible." Moscow has threatened a "painful response" if this action is taken.

Will Densow, reporting for CNA from Brussels, discussed the significance of President Zelenskyy's presence at the summit and the 19th round of EU sanctions, especially given ongoing questions about sustained support for Ukraine in the protracted war.

Impact and Details of EU Sanctions

Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, outlined the impact of the 19th round of sanctions in three key components:

1. Continued Means for Defense: The sanctions demonstrate that Ukraine will continue to have the resources to defend itself.
2. Outlasting Russia: This action further proves that Ukraine and its allies will outlast Russia in the conflict.
3. Message to the US: The sanctions send a strong message to the United States and President Trump that the EU is actively taking measures.

Specific details of the sanctions include measures targeting cryptocurrencies, more Russian banks, and a ban on LNG imports. This ban on LNG imports into the EU is set to take effect at the beginning of 2027. Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, stated that this measure would "hit the heart of Russia's war machine."

Other Topics at the EU Summit

Beyond the sanctions, President Zelenskyy's presence at the European leaders' summit coincides with discussions on several other critical topics. A major focus is the EU's climate ambitions, specifically how to achieve a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Significant divisions exist among member states regarding the implementation of these goals and how they will affect the EU's competitiveness and efforts to reduce red tape.

Use of Frozen Russian Assets for Ukraine

A significant topic of discussion at the summit is the European move, which has faced some internal opposition, to use frozen Russian assets to raise funds for Ukraine. This initiative could potentially unlock approximately $160 billion in funds for Ukraine, intended for both rebuilding and military support. The prevailing message from many EU leaders is that "Moscow [should be] footing the bill for Ukraine, and not European taxpayers."

Belgium's Opposition to Frozen Asset Use

However, a major obstacle to this plan is Belgium. The country's Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, has outlined three specific issues with the proposal to use frozen Russian assets and what he requires to be rectified before giving his approval. Belgium's central role stems from Euroclear, the entity where most of these Russian assets are currently held. Consequently, Belgium perceives itself as most vulnerable to potential repercussions, as Moscow has threatened legal action if these frozen assets are unfrozen and transferred to Ukraine.

To resolve this impasse, Belgium proposes a "mutualization of risks." This means that if the money needs to be repaid, all member states should contribute their fair share. Additionally, Belgium insists that all nations holding frozen Russian assets must participate in this arrangement.

President Zelenskyy's message to EU member states on this issue was unequivocal: "Let's act now."