EU to weigh new Russia sanctions, security guarantees for Ukraine at Luxembourg Summit

European Union foreign ministers will meet in Luxembourg for the Foreign Affairs Council on 14 April to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine – including a potential monitoring mission – and the bloc’s 17th package of sanctions against Russia, along with other pressure mechanisms.

Source: a senior EU official familiar with preparations for the Foreign Affairs Council, speaking to European Pravda on condition of anonymity

Details: The source stressed that EU foreign ministers will address possible security guarantees for Ukraine after hostilities end and the continuation of sanctions pressure on Russia.

Quote: "The European Union supports maintaining pressure on Russia. That’s why the 17th sanctions package and other pressure instruments will be part of the discussion at the Foreign Affairs Council." 

More details: They will also address the ongoing EU accession process for Ukraine, particularly Hungary’s continued obstruction of negotiations.

Another key item will be a proposal by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to increase military aid for Ukraine – specifically a plan to deliver 2 million artillery shells worth €5 billion. "I believe we’ll see new commitments on this on Monday," the EU official said.

The Council will also consider proposals by the coalition of the willing, led by France and the UK, to deploy a monitoring mission to Ukraine following any future ceasefire – aimed at ensuring compliance and providing security guarantees for a durable peace.

Ukraine will be the first item on the agenda, and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is expected to address his EU counterparts via video link.

Quote: "Minister Sybiha will brief the ministers on the battlefield situation, political developments in Ukraine, and current priorities – including what Ukraine is asking from the EU at this stage. US diplomatic peace initiatives will also be discussed."

Background: 

• The coalition of the willing, led by France and the UK, is developing a plan to deploy a mission to Ukraine to oversee a future ceasefire and has outlined four core goals.
• EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas continues to push for the EU to deliver 2 million artillery shells to Ukraine by the end of 2025.
• The new 17th sanctions package may include additional measures against Russia’s so-called shadow fleet and further restrictions on Russian transit routes through the Baltic Sea.

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