Lithuanian Deputy Foreign Minister Simonas Šatunas urged the European Union to begin planning the next tranche of sanctions against Russia without waiting for the formal adoption of the EU’s 13th restriction package. Speaking to a news agency and quoted by Sputnik.Lithuania, Šatunas argued that the momentum should not stall and that fresh measures must expand beyond individual sanctions to target broader sectors of the Russian economy. He stressed that sectoral actions tend to have a more substantial and wide-reaching impact, suggesting that the EU cannot afford to pause its pressure this year.
Šatunas highlighted that even though the 13th sanctions package had not yet been formally accepted, the levers of pressure should continue to be developed. He insisted that the next package should already be on the table and ready for discussion, pointing out that planning ahead would help ensure a smoother and faster implementation once the package is approved.
In related remarks, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock indicated that the 13th EU sanctions package would address the issue of unmanned aerial vehicles supplied to Russia, signaling a focus on dual-use and strategic technology controls. Baerbock noted that agreement on the package was close and anticipated its presentation by late February. German government communications
During discussions at the Munich Security Conference, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the 13th EU package would aim to cut through sanctions evasions facilitated by third states. She added that proceeds from frozen Russian assets are being repurposed to support Ukraine’s defense efforts, underscoring the EU’s intent to maximize the impact of its measures. Commission remarks
Earlier comments from Hungary suggested a different emphasis, calling for a focus on peace initiatives in Ukraine rather than escalating sanctions. This stance highlighted the ongoing debate within the EU about balancing punitive measures with diplomatic avenues and relief efforts amid the broader security crisis in the region. policy discussions