European Commission approves 19th sanctions package against Russia

The European Commission officially endorsed its 19th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation, further escalating the bloc’s economic response to Moscow’s ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Speaking to journalists in Brussels, European Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho confirmed the decision: “I can confirm that the Commission has today approved the 19th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation,” she said, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

The newly adopted measures represent the latest step in the EU’s coordinated efforts to increase pressure on the Kremlin, amidst growing calls from Kyiv for its international partners to tighten economic constraints on Russia and push President Vladimir Putin toward peace negotiations.

The full details of the sanctions package are expected to be unveiled later in the day by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.

“We can confirm that the Commission has adopted a new package of sanctions against Russia, the 19th package,” Pinho reiterated during the briefing, underlining the EU's continued resolve in countering Russian aggression.

While the Commission was initially scheduled to present the 19th sanctions package on September 17, the announcement was delayed. The postponement reportedly came in response to diplomatic pressures, including a push from US President Donald Trump urging European nations to further curtail their purchases of Russian oil.

The proposal will now proceed to the next stage, requiring unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states before implementation. 

By Vafa Guliyeva