Ukrainian FM urges EU to toughen sanctions against Russia

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has called on the European Union to impose tougher sanctions on Russia, stressing that there is no alternative to increasing pressure on Moscow.

Sybiha made the appeal during a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, which he attended via video link, Caliber.Az reports.

Today at the Foreign Affairs Council, I briefed my EU colleagues on the frontline situation, Russia’s relentless attacks on energy and civilians, Ukraine’s urgent needs, both military and humanitarian, and recent peace efforts.

In today’s geopolitical turbulence, it is important… pic.twitter.com/QC7VIjFZ87

— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) January 29, 2026

He proposed that a new sanctions package include measures targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet” as well as major oil companies such as Lukoil and Rosneft. Sybiha emphasised the need to adopt a “strong  20th sanctions package,” modelled on the US approach.

The foreign minister also briefed EU counterparts on the situation on the front line, Russia’s attacks on civilians and energy infrastructure, and Ukraine’s urgent military and humanitarian needs. 

He further spoke about recent peace efforts, including a meeting involving delegations from Ukraine, the United States, and Russia.

“On peace efforts, together with Americans, we are preparing for the next round in the trilateral format in the near future,” FM noted.

In addition, Sybiha urged European partners to make 2026 a “decisive year” for Ukraine’s European integration.

By Jeyhun Aghazada