EU Won’t Lift Sanctions on Russia, Even If U.S. Does, Top Official Says

The European Union has no intention of lifting sanctions against Russia for its aggression toward Ukraine—even if the United States decides to do so, European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis stated ahead of an Economic and Financial Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on February 18, according to the European Commission.

When asked whether the EU would reconsider its sanctions if Washington reversed its policy, Dombrovskis gave a clear response, emphasizing that Brussels will pursue its own sanctions policy independently of the Trump administration’s decisions.

“Given the policy direction of the new U.S. administration, the EU must take its security into its own hands—including its sanctions policy. As you know, work is already underway on the 16th sanctions package,” Dombrovskis stated.

Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed that any future peace agreement must respect Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity and must be backed by reliable security guarantees, during a meeting with U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg.

Von der Leyen emphasized the EU’s decisive role in ensuring Ukraine’s financial stability and defense. She noted that the EU has provided a total of €135 billion (approximately $145 billion) in aid to Ukraine—more than any other ally. This includes $52 billion in military assistance, putting the EU’s contribution on par with that of the United States.