EU begins work on 17th sanctions package against Russia

The European Union has begun preparations for a new round of sanctions against Russia, an EU diplomat has told EUobserver. While the process is in its early stages, initial proposals are expected by early summer, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

The development comes as Western allies remain divided over the future of existing sanctions. On March 27, France, the UK, and other members of the so-called Coalition of the Willing ruled out easing or lifting sanctions against Moscow. Following a meeting of representatives from around 30 countries in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron said that discussions had instead focused on tightening restrictions, particularly targeting Russia’s so-called Shadow Fleet – ships accused of circumventing sanctions.

Despite the moves, the timing of the new EU package remains uncertain. One European diplomat suggested that further sanctions could depend on the progress of ongoing peace negotiations between the US, Russia, and Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Moscow has outlined its own conditions for de-escalation. Following talks in Saudi Arabia, the Kremlin announced that Russia would cease fire in the Black Sea only if sanctions on Russian food and fertilizer exporters were lifted and Rosselkhozbank was reconnected to the SWIFT payment system.

US President Donald Trump has said Washington was considering the conditions, though no official position has been announced.