“The first package — the EU’s 17th — is expected to be submitted for approval by the end of May,” Vlasiuk said.
“It’s already clear that the package will include measures against shadow tankers, countries helping Russia evade restrictions, and companies tied to the Russian military-industrial complex,” he explained.
A second package will focus on countering Russian propaganda and disinformation campaigns, while a third is aimed at human rights violations within Russia itself.
“That last one isn’t directly related to Ukraine, but we still welcome any sanctions imposed on Russia,” Vlasiuk added.
Earlier on May 10, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the so-called “coalition of the willing” had endorsed a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, set to begin on May 12. Zelenskyy stressed that if Russian dictator Vladimir Putin refuses the ceasefire, the international community must respond with stronger sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector and banking system.
More than 20 leaders from the “coalition of the willing” joined a joint call in which they urged Russia to agree to the 30-day ceasefire without conditions.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded the same day, dismissing threats of additional sanctions. “Trying to scare Russia with sanctions is pointless,” he told Russian state media.
On May 9, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was working closely with the United States to implement the proposed 30-day ceasefire.
Reuters, citing diplomatic sources, reported that Washington and its European allies are finalizing the ceasefire proposal, which could be announced within days.
The proposal came just ahead of a visit to Kyiv by European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.