Russia-Ukraine war: MAJOR jolt for Putin as EU approves fresh sanctions, bans Russian oil imports; Zelenskyy says Russia must feel…

Russia-Ukraine war: In a significant development that could tilt the course of the Russia-Ukraine war, the European Union has adopted its 19th sanctions package against Moscow, and assured continued financial assistance to Ukraine through 2027. In a post on X, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said European Council meeting in Brussels yielded “good results” with several important decisions in favour of his country.

EU assures financial support to Ukraine

“Today, a meeting of the European Council was held in Brussels – with good results. The European Union assured that financial assistance to Ukraine will be maintained not only next year, but also in 2027. This is an important unanimous decision. We have secured political support with regard to frozen Russian assets and their maximum use to defend against Russian aggression. The European Commission will work out all the necessary details,” Zelenskyy wrote.

The Ukrainian President said Kyiv has secured political support with regard to frozen Russian assets and their maximum use “to defend against Russian aggression”, adding that the “European Commission will work out all the necessary details”.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also revealed that EU and Ukraine also working to boost security and energy cooperation, including Kyiv’s strengthening air defense “We are also working substantively with the countries that can support our energy sector – both in recovery and in the supply of essential resources.”

Why EU approved new sanctions package against Russia?

Further, Zelenskyy also announced that the EU has approved its 19th sanctions package against Russia, and work was already underway on the next sanctions package, to make Russia “feel the real losses caused by its war”.

“We will surely synchronize this (sanctions) package within Ukraine’s jurisdiction. It is also important that its elements be supported by the sanctions from other European countries outside the EU, particularly the United Kingdom, Norway, and Switzerland. Of course, we are already beginning work with the EU on the next sanctions package – Russia must feel the real losses caused by its war,” he said.

The Ukrainian President termed the US sanctions against Russian oil companies as “highly effective”, and urged European nations to follow a similar policy of restricting Russian supplies to put pressure on Moscow for ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

“Our partners hear us and take our proposals into account. Everyone is simply tired of Russia constantly deceiving the world and believing that they in Moscow will get away with it. Ukraine has long said that strong economic and long-range sanctions are the key to ending this war. There will be more coordination. Thank you!” Zelenskyy concluded.

No more Russian oil in EU?

Earlier, European Union countries unanimously reached an agreement to ban all energy imports from Russia from January 1, 2028. In a statement, the European Council said energy ministers of almost all EU countries voted in favour of a European proposal to ban Russian energy imports.

“No more Russian energy in the EU. No more loopholes. A ban on Russian gas and oil imports is on the cards by 2028 at the latest. Its details will be negotiated between Parliament and EU countries as soon as possible,” the European Parliament said in a post on X.

(With inputs from agencies)