In high diplomacy, quiet agreements matter more than loud statements

Welt reports: the European Union plans to adopt a 20th package of sanctions against Russia on the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion. This is not a simple ceremonial date — it concerns steps that could systematically curb key sources of revenue for the Kremlin and close existing loopholes used to evade sanctions.

What is proposed

According to diplomatic sources, the package will include travel bans and asset freezes for individuals and legal entities involved in the abduction and “ideological re‑education” of Ukrainian children. Enhanced measures are also planned for the energy and banking sectors, along with mechanisms to shut down channels used to circumvent sanctions.

Particular attention is on a possible ban on imports of Russian uranium and the imposition of sanctions on Rosatom. This is a move that combines symbolic pressure with a direct impact on Russia’s strategic interests.

Diplomatic disagreements and real costs

As Welt’s sources note, France and Belgium are currently opposing this part of the package — mainly for reasons related to the energy security of their nuclear power plants. These countries could, in theory, reorient to uranium supplies from South Africa, Australia or Canada, but that would be more expensive.

The numbers underscore the difficulty of the choice: despite sanctions, the EU imported goods from Russia worth €33.5 billion in 2024, and in the first half of 2025 — about €15 billion. That means economic pressure is working, but it requires precise and coordinated decisions.

What this gives Ukraine

First, tougher sanctions cut off part of the revenues Moscow uses to finance the war. Second, sanctions on state bodies such as Rosatom undermine the Kremlin’s strategic levers in the energy sector and international projects.

At the same time, there is a risk of short‑term market effects — rising prices for nuclear fuel or logistical disruptions. Therefore, it is important for Ukraine that partners not only announce sanctions, but also have a plan to minimize side effects across Europe.

"The package aims to close existing loopholes and squeeze those responsible for the most serious crimes against Ukrainian children and citizens"

— a diplomatic source in Brussels (Welt)

Context and next steps

The previous, 19th package (October 2024) already targeted banks and cryptocurrency exchanges used to evade restrictions. The new one is a continuation of the same logic: not only to punish, but to block opportunities to escape responsibility.

Analysts urge looking not only at the announcements but at the implementation mechanism: will there be clear rules to monitor uranium supply chains, how will importing states cooperate, and will compensation mechanisms be introduced to minimize the price shock?

Conclusion

The 20th package is an opportunity for the EU to increase pressure on the Kremlin and reduce its strategic capabilities. At the same time, the real payoff will depend on how ready Brussels and national capitals are to reconcile energy security with political pressure. Whether countries will agree to pay more for independence from Russian uranium is the key question for the coming weeks.