Zelenskyy welcomes EU’s 19th sanctions package on Russia: ‘It will increase pressure on the Russian war machine’

The Ukrainian President said that the the measures “target the main drivers of the war economy: energy revenues, finance, high-tech resources, and the military-industrial base.”

September 20, 2025 12:40 PM IST First published on: Sep 20, 2025 at 12:39 PM IST

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a joint press conference with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in Kyiv, Sept 17. (AP Photo)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed support for the European Union’s 19th sanctions package on Russia, saying it would significantly impact the Russian economy. In a post on the Telegram messaging app, Zelenskyy said the measures “target the main drivers of the war economy: energy revenues, finance, high-tech resources, and the military-industrial base.”

He added, “This is an important step that will increase pressure on the Russian war machine and produce a tangible effect.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented the package on Friday, stating her goal was to “give peace a real chance”, according to Reuters, by encouraging Russia to return to the negotiating table and end more than three-and-a-half years of conflict.

The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, outlined that the sanctions were designed to “strike where Russia gets its money,” reported Reuters. This includes designating 118 vessels as part of a shadow fleet and taking measures against Russian financial evasion schemes in third countries.

Before the sanctions can take effect, EU member states must discuss and adopt the package unanimously.

(With inputs from Reuters)