EU Weighs 17th Sanctions Package on Russia Amid Ceasefire Push

By Staff, Agencies

The European Union is preparing a new round of sanctions on Russia as the conflict in Ukraine shows no sign of de-escalation, according to European Commission Chief Spokesperson Paula Pinho.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Pinho confirmed that the absence of a ceasefire has prompted the bloc to consider additional punitive measures.

“We can confirm that in the absence of a ceasefire, as noted by several leaders, including [EU High Representative] Kaja Kallas and [European Commission] President Ursula von der Leyen, we are indeed looking into further sanctions,” Pinho said.

The measures under discussion would constitute the EU’s 17th sanctions package, expected to be finalized during the bloc’s upcoming foreign ministers’ meeting on May 20.

Despite widespread support among member states, Hungary remains a vocal opponent of the EU’s existing sanctions regime, which is set to expire in July unless unanimously renewed for another six months.

Budapest has consistently criticized sanctions for their economic impact and has threatened to block any further extensions.

Hungary's resistance poses a significant challenge to EU unity, especially as the bloc considers escalating economic pressure on Moscow in light of the stalled ceasefire process.