EU sanctions on Russia will remain in place until Moscow stops its war against Ukraine, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared on Friday, 16 October 2026, as European leaders gathered in Brussels for crucial talks on Ukraine’s future.
Speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Council President António Costa, von der Leyen delivered a firm message about Europe’s position.
“One thing is obvious: we will not lift any sanctions unless Russia stops the war.”
Her statement comes amid renewed disagreements between Washington and Kyiv, continuing Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and concerns about Ukraine’s ability to protect its energy infrastructure during the approaching winter.
European leaders are discussing further financial assistance, military support, economic sanctions and Ukraine’s progress towards European Union membership.
Von der Leyen Rules Out Lifting Sanctions on Russia
Von der Leyen made clear that the European Union intends to maintain economic pressure on Moscow.
The Commission president accused Russia of failing to respect a recently announced energy ceasefire backed by US President Donald Trump.
According to von der Leyen, Moscow continued and intensified attacks rather than demonstrating a commitment to stopping hostilities.
She argued that this situation justified additional pressure instead of easing existing restrictions.
The European Union is also preparing its 22nd sanctions package against Russia.
The proposed measures aim to increase pressure on Russia’s economy and its ability to sustain the war.
However, any new package will require agreement through the EU’s established decision-making procedures.
European Leaders Gather in Brussels to Discuss Ukraine
The European Council meeting in Brussels brings together leaders from across the 27-member bloc.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is attending discussions focused on his country’s military, financial and diplomatic needs.
The summit comes at a difficult moment for Ukraine.
Russian missile and drone attacks continue to damage civilian infrastructure, while shortages of air-defence equipment have made it increasingly challenging to protect Ukrainian cities.
European leaders are also considering how to maintain long-term assistance as relations between the United States and Ukraine become more strained.
The meeting is expected to address several major questions, including future financial support, winter energy security, sanctions enforcement and Ukraine’s EU membership negotiations.
António Costa Promises Continued European Support
European Council President António Costa reinforced von der Leyen’s position.
Costa said that the European Union should not withdraw support from Ukraine or relax sanctions while the war continues.
He argued that sustained economic pressure is necessary to encourage Moscow to participate in meaningful peace negotiations.
Costa also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Ukraine’s future membership.
His comments underline the European Union’s attempt to connect immediate wartime assistance with a longer-term political and economic relationship.
For Ukraine, the promise of continued European support is particularly important as its government prepares for another winter of conflict.
Zelenskyy: Thanks, European Leaders, for Their Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the backing that European leaders offered.
Speaking in Brussels, he thanked the European Union for maintaining its support during a challenging period.
Zelenskyy emphasised the importance of preparing for winter, particularly regarding electricity supplies and military defence.
Ukraine’s energy network has suffered repeated attacks during the war.
Damage to power stations, substations and transmission infrastructure can cause widespread disruption to homes, hospitals and businesses.
The Ukrainian government is seeking additional assistance to strengthen air defences and restore its damaged facilities.
European support will therefore play an important role in the country’s ability to maintain essential services.
Russia Accused of Violating Energy Ceasefire
The latest diplomatic disagreement is partly about a proposed energy ceasefire.
President Donald Trump had announced an understanding intended to reduce attacks on energy infrastructure.
However, European and Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of continuing strikes despite the announcement.
Von der Leyen said Russia had not respected the proposed arrangement.
The situation has complicated efforts to establish a broader ceasefire.
An agreement covering energy facilities would be intended to protect civilian infrastructure and reduce the humanitarian consequences of attacks.
Nevertheless, a lasting arrangement would require clear commitments, verification and cooperation from the parties involved.
Without those elements, further attacks could undermine confidence in negotiations.
What Sanctions Has the EU Imposed on Russia?
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the European Union has introduced extensive economic and individual sanctions.
These restrictions target various parts of Russia’s economy and individuals or organisations connected to the war.
Measures have included financial restrictions, export controls, limitations on technology transfers and restrictions affecting energy-related trade.
The EU has also targeted individuals and companies associated with Russia’s military-industrial sector.
On 12 October 2026, the European Union announced additional sanctions against nearly 1,600 Russian individuals and organisations connected to military production and related activities.
The measures included entities involved in producing components for drones and ballistic missiles.
The purpose of these restrictions is to make it more difficult for Russia to obtain financing, equipment and technology used to sustain its military operations.
However, sanctions do not automatically end a conflict, and their effectiveness depends on enforcement, international cooperation and Russia’s ability to find alternative suppliers.
EU Prepares Its 22nd Sanctions Package
European officials have confirmed that work is underway on a 22nd package of sanctions against Russia.
The latest proposals are expected to focus on increasing pressure and closing gaps that allow existing restrictions to be circumvented.
A major challenge involves companies and networks that may help Russia obtain restricted goods through third countries.
European governments are also examining how sanctions can be enforced more effectively.
The precise contents of the proposed package have not yet been finalised.
Any new restrictions would need to be assessed for their potential impact on European businesses and international trade.
The EU’s wider strategy combines economic sanctions with financial assistance, military support and diplomatic pressure.
Ukraine Faces Another Difficult Winter
Winter preparations are among the most urgent issues facing Ukrainian officials.
Russian attacks have damaged electricity infrastructure across several regions.
On 16 October, reports indicated that approximately 370,000 people in Ukraine’s Volyn region had been left without electricity following attacks.
Russian strikes also hit Kharkiv, killing civilians.
These developments highlight the continuing risks to Ukraine’s civilian population.
Power shortages during winter can affect heating, water supplies, healthcare and communications.
European countries are discussing additional assistance to repair infrastructure and provide equipment needed to maintain electricity supplies.
Air-defence systems are also essential, as they help protect energy facilities from missiles and drones.
Tensions Between Trump and Zelenskyy Add Pressure
The Brussels summit takes place amid growing disagreements between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Trump has criticised Ukraine’s renewed strikes on Russian oil refineries, arguing that these attacks contribute to higher energy prices.
European leaders, meanwhile, have emphasised Ukraine’s need to defend itself against ongoing Russian attacks.
The disagreement has raised questions about future coordination between Washington and European governments.
The United States has been a major source of military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine.
Any reduction in that support could place additional pressure on European countries to provide equipment and funding.
EU leaders are attempting to maintain their support for Kyiv while continuing diplomatic engagement with Washington.
Ukraine’s European Union Membership Discussed
Another major issue at the summit is Ukraine’s ambition to join the European Union.
Von der Leyen has indicated that the EU hopes to make progress on opening two additional negotiating clusters before the end of 2026.
These clusters cover groups of policy areas where candidate countries must demonstrate progress towards meeting EU requirements.
Ukraine has continued implementing reforms while facing the pressures of war.
Its membership process involves questions relating to democratic institutions, the rule of law, economic regulation and alignment with European legislation.
Although EU leaders have expressed support for Ukraine’s European future, accession remains a complex process.
Membership is not guaranteed on a particular date, and further negotiations and reforms will be necessary.
Could Sanctions Force Russia to End the War?
Economic sanctions are intended to influence the decisions of governments by increasing the costs associated with particular actions.
In Russia’s case, European restrictions aim to limit access to financial resources, advanced technology and other goods relevant to military production.
Supporters of sanctions argue that sustained pressure can weaken Russia’s ability to finance and equip its armed forces.
However, sanctions can also create economic consequences for countries imposing them.
Trade disruption, energy-market changes and higher business costs have affected parts of the European economy.
Russia has also sought alternative trading partners and methods of obtaining restricted goods.
For these reasons, sanctions are only one element of a wider diplomatic and security strategy.
Whether they contribute to ending the war will depend on military developments, negotiations and decisions made by the governments involved.
What Happens Next?
European leaders are expected to continue discussions about Ukraine’s financial requirements, defence needs and long-term relationship with the EU.
Further details may emerge about the proposed 22nd sanctions package and additional support for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
The European Union will also assess how to respond to changing US policy and continuing Russian attacks.
For Kyiv, immediate priorities include maintaining electricity supplies, strengthening air defences and securing the funding required to keep essential government services operating.
The longer-term objective remains a negotiated end to the war that addresses Ukraine’s security and sovereignty.
Conclusion
The European Union has delivered a clear message through Ursula von der Leyen’s latest statement: EU sanctions on Russia will not be lifted while Moscow continues its war against Ukraine.
The declaration comes as European leaders seek to strengthen Ukraine’s defences, protect its energy infrastructure and maintain economic pressure on Russia.
With winter approaching and diplomatic tensions increasing, the Brussels summit represents an important moment for Europe’s Ukraine policy.
The discussions will help determine the next steps in financial assistance, sanctions enforcement and Ukraine’s path towards EU membership.
Although the outcome of future peace negotiations remains uncertain, European leaders have reaffirmed their intention to support Ukraine and maintain pressure on Moscow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Ursula von der Leyen say about Russia’s sanctions?
She said the European Union would not lift sanctions unless Russia stopped its war against Ukraine.
When did von der Leyen make the statement?
She made the statement on Friday, 16 October 2026, during an EU leaders’ meeting in Brussels.
Is the EU introducing more sanctions against Russia?
The European Union is preparing its 22nd sanctions package, although the final measures have not yet been agreed.
Why is the EU maintaining sanctions?
European leaders say the restrictions aim to pressure Russia to end the war and engage in meaningful peace negotiations.
Is Ukraine joining the European Union?
Ukraine is pursuing EU membership, and negotiations are progressing, but there is no confirmed accession date.
What are European leaders discussing regarding Ukraine?
The talks cover military assistance, financial support, energy infrastructure, sanctions and Ukraine’s EU membership process.
