EU will not lift any Russian sanctions until war in Ukraine ends — von der Leyen

Von der Leyen added that the EU is working on its 22nd sanctions package against Russia.

“One thing is absolutely clear: we will not lift any sanctions unless Russia stops the war,” she stated.

Commenting on recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, von der Leyen said that Europe supports the “energy ceasefire” announced by Washington on October 11, but noted that Russia is failing to observe it.

The European Commission president also stated that EU officials will discuss Ukraine’s financial and budgetary needs not only for 2026, but also for 2027.

U.S. relaxes sanctions on Russia

Trump announced on October 9 a deal with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to allow the export of Russian diesel to American and global markets to help reduce domestic prices in the U.S. The Treasury Department later issued a license that clears the sale and import of Russian diesel until April 7, 2027.

Reuters reported on October 15 that U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright signaled that Washington may ease sanctions against Russia’s “shadow fleet.”

The U.S. also pressured Ukraine into halting strikes on Russian oil refineries under threat of pausing intelligence sharing and arms sales.