Kallas says EU aims to adopt 20th Russia sanctions package on Feb. 24

“We aim to have the 20th sanctions package ready by Feb. 24,” she said.

According to Kallas, EU member states are floating various proposals, including a full ban on maritime services. The bloc is also considering measures targeting the energy sector and mineral fertilizers.

She stressed that discussions are still ongoing and that consensus has not yet been reached.

“I can’t say we’ve reached agreement now — otherwise we would’ve already announced it. But there were many conversations today, and we’ll continue working on it,” she said.

On Jan. 29, Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation said the EU had imposed sanctions on several Russian propagandists who consistently support Kremlin policy.

Those targeted include television host and sports commentator Dmitry Guberniev; Kremlin propagandist Pavel Zarubin; Vremya anchor Ekaterina Andreeva; and Maria Sittel, a frequent host of Russian state propaganda events.

One day earlier, on Jan. 28, French President Emmanuel Macron said after a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Paris plans to increase pressure on Moscow. Macron said France is working on new EU sanctions and continuing efforts to dismantle Russia’s “shadow fleet.”

In its conclusions from the European Council meeting held on Dec. 18, 2025, the EU signaled it would pursue the 20th round of sanctions in early 2026.

That same day, the EU Council adopted sanctions restricting the operations of 41 vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet — including oil tankers that generate revenue for the Kremlin’s energy sector.