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Ukraine Proposes EU Take Lead on Russia Sanctions Amid US Uncertainty, Reuters Reports
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![Photo of Liubava Petriv]( "Photo of Liubava Petriv")
Next week, Ukraine plans to ask the European Union to take stronger steps to pressure Moscow, including seizing Russian assets and introducing sanctions on some buyers of Russian oil.
The move comes as US President Donald Trump has decided not to move forward with additional sanctions for now, according to Reuters on May 21.
A previously unreported Ukrainian white paper, obtained by Reuters, outlines 40 pages of recommendations aimed at encouraging the EU to adopt a more independent and proactive sanctions strategy, amid uncertainty about future US involvement.
One of the key proposals is for the EU to adopt legislation that would allow it to seize assets from individuals under sanctions and direct those funds to Ukraine. Those affected could then seek compensation from Russia.
Ukraine is also encouraging the EU to extend the reach of its sanctions by targeting companies outside the bloc that use EU technology to assist Russia. The white paper also proposes secondary sanctions on buyers of Russian oil—a significant move that could affect countries like India and China.
Another recommendation is for the EU to consider using majority-rule voting on sanctions decisions, to prevent a single member state from blocking new measures.
The European Commission has not yet responded to a request for comment.
Trump spoke with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and later informed European and Ukrainian officials that he prefers to allow time for further discussions before introducing new sanctions, a source familiar with the conversations told Reuters.
Despite Washington’s position, the EU and the UK moved ahead with additional sanctions on Russia. European leaders are now discussing how to keep pressure on Moscow even if the US takes a less active role.
According to Reuters, the Ukrainian document avoids criticism of the US, reflecting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s cautious diplomatic approach following a tense meeting with Trump earlier this year. Still, it outlines concerns about reduced US involvement.
“Today, in practice, Washington has ceased participation in nearly all intergovernmental platforms focused on sanctions and export control,” the document says. It also notes the dissolution of a US task force focused on sanctions enforcement and a shift of experts to other areas.
Two major US sanctions packages are reportedly in development—one by the administration and another led by Senator Lindsey Graham—but the white paper says it is “uncertain” whether President Trump will approve either.
Ukraine warns that a lack of coordination is already slowing down efforts to enforce economic measures. However, the document argues this is precisely why the EU should step up.
“On the contrary, it should catalyse the EU to assume a leading role in this domain,” the paper reads.
Ukrainian officials are concerned that a reduced US role could affect EU consensus.
“American withdrawal from the sanctions regime would be a huge strike on the unity of the EU. Huge,” a senior Ukrainian government official told Reuters.
While the EU doesn’t have the same global financial influence as the US—largely due to the dollar’s dominance in trade—analysts believe strong European action would still have a serious impact.
“Europe holds a lot more cards than you’d think,” said Craig Kennedy, a Russian energy expert at Harvard’s Davis Center.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the EU has confirmed it will apply the next package of sanctions if Russia refuses to agree to a ceasefire. After a call with European Council President António Costa, Zelenskyy stated:
“I thanked him for the approval of the EU’s 17th sanctions package against Russia. Preparation of the next package is already underway, and it is very important that it be even stronger. It should include energy, the banking sector, and the shadow fleet—not only the ships but also the crews servicing them. António confirmed that if Russia refuses to stop the fighting, such sanctions will be applied.”
The two leaders also discussed unblocking negotiations on Ukraine’s EU membership clusters, which Zelenskyy stressed as crucial.
Previously, it was reported that the US Senate is prepared to vote on a sanctions bill targeting Russia if peace negotiations over the war in Ukraine fail to make progress soon.
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
