European Union member states are reportedly preparing a sweeping 20th sanctions package targeting Russia, slated for implementation on the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (February 24, 2026). According to sources within the EU diplomatic community, revealed in a report by “Welt” the proposed measures represent a significant escalation in the bloc’s efforts to pressure Moscow.
The forthcoming package is expected to encompass expanded travel restrictions and asset freezes against individuals and organizations, with a particular focus on those implicated in the forced relocation and ideological indoctrination of Ukrainian children. Further sanctions within the energy and banking sectors are also under consideration, designed to aggressively curtail Russia’s economic capacity. A key priority will be to close existing loopholes that have allowed Russia to circumvent previous restrictions.
Discussions in Brussels indicate a potential prohibition on the import of Russian uranium, extending sanctions to Rosatom, the Russian Federal Agency for Atomic Energy. However, this proposal faces resistance from nations including France and Belgium, highlighting the ongoing complexities in achieving unanimous EU consensus.
The core objective remains to penalize Moscow for the invasion of Ukraine and to further erode the Russian economy, extending beyond the measures implemented in the last package approved on October 23rd. That package targeted Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports and sanctioned third-party entities, including Chinese refineries and traders facilitating the purchase of Russian crude oil. Previous actions also targeted what has been termed the “shadow fleet” comprised of vessels used to circumvent European sanctions, particularly in the energy sector.
Beyond punitive economic measures, a potentially controversial development is emerging: the consideration of a “coalition of the willing” to monitor a future ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. According to diplomatic sources, detailed plans for these security guarantees have already been drafted, largely formulated by military experts from the UK and France in collaboration with Brussels.
France and the UK appear poised to offer robust security guarantees, potentially authorizing the deployment of ground troops to enforce a peace agreement. Estimates from diplomatic circles suggest deployments could initially involve between 10,000 and 15,000 personnel over a six-month period, contingent on contributions from participating nations. Notably, these nations are reportedly willing to undertake this monitoring role even without a mandate from the United Nations or the European Union, requiring only an invitation from Ukraine.
Air and maritime surveillance of the ceasefire is envisioned to be conducted from the borders of Ukraine, with Turkey potentially playing a key role in monitoring the Black Sea region. This development underscores the desire for a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to ensuring post-conflict stability, although it also raises questions about the potential for unilateral action and the implications for international legal frameworks.