BRUSSELS – The European Union formally adopted its 19th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation on Thursday, October 23, 2025, marking a significant escalation in economic pressure aimed at curtailing Moscow's ability to finance its ongoing military aggression in Ukraine. The comprehensive package, confirmed by the Danish rotating presidency of the EU, specifically targets key Russian revenue streams through new energy, financial, and trade measures.
Focus on Energy: LNG Imports Targeted
A central component of this new policy action is the formal ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports into the bloc. This move represents a critical step in the EU's long-term strategy to decouple its energy dependency from Russia, despite the short-term economic implications for some member states. The sanctions are designed to degrade the Kremlin's capacity to generate revenue for its war machine, a goal echoed by simultaneous actions taken by the United States.
The adoption of the 19th package comes as EU leaders convene in Brussels for a summit, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also present to reaffirm international solidarity. The sanctions package builds upon previous measures and signals the bloc's continued commitment to a strong, unified response to the conflict. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has previously emphasized that only a strong response, including financial pressure, will compel Russia to cease hostilities.
Frozen Assets and Reconstruction Funding
Beyond the direct energy ban, a major policy development under discussion at the summit involves the proposed use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. The European Commission has put forward a proposal for a €140 billion “reparation loan” to Kyiv, to be funded by utilizing cash balances from frozen Russian central bank securities held within Europe. This financial mechanism, if approved, is intended to cover a substantial portion of Ukraine's funding needs for 2026 and 2027.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson indicated broad support among member states for utilizing these frozen assets, stating, “I won't declare victory on this until we're done but I see a very broad support for using frozen Russian assets.” This policy thrust underscores the international community's strategy to hold Russia accountable for the war’s costs while simultaneously bolstering Ukraine's defense and reconstruction efforts. The UK has also reiterated its unwavering support for Ukraine, emphasizing that peace must be just to be lasting.
International Context and US Pressure
The EU's policy announcement occurs within a broader international context of increasing pressure on Russia’s economy. Reports indicate that the US administration has separately imposed sanctions on Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, citing a lack of genuine commitment to peace negotiations. Furthermore, US President Donald Trump claimed that India has agreed to sharply reduce its purchases of Russian crude oil by the end of the year, a development he intends to discuss with Chinese President Xi Jinping to encourage similar action.
In response to the new US sanctions, Russia’s foreign ministry deemed the measures "extremely counterproductive" to achieving peace. Meanwhile, China has reportedly voiced opposition to the US sanctions on Russian energy firms.
Broader Summit Agenda and Global Security
The European Council meeting is also addressing wider issues of European competitiveness, economic reform, migration management, and border protection. Furthermore, the EU is reinforcing its defense and security policy, having recently reached a deal on the European defence industry programme designed to bolster joint procurement and manufacturing capabilities.
The adoption of the 19th sanctions package represents a firm, coordinated policy decision by the EU to maintain robust economic leverage over Russia in pursuit of a just resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, solidifying the bloc's commitment to international law and the defense of sovereign nations. This focused policy action is a key development in the ongoing geopolitical landscape.