The European Commission plans to unveil a new sanctions package against Russia and proposals for Ukraine's financial needs before the next European Council meeting. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the move ahead of a meeting with international leaders in Dublin. The next European Council summit is scheduled for November 26-27.
The upcoming package will be the EU's 22nd since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly five years ago. Key measures under discussion include new restrictions on banks, cryptocurrencies, and crypto platforms, as well as measures to close circumvention loopholes through third countries. EU diplomats also hinted at a potential ban on Belarusian and Russian athletes competing in international events within the EU.
Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kallas emphasized the importance of the athlete ban, stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin values these events as a means to project power. Kallas also mentioned ongoing discussions about potential visa restrictions on Russian ex-combatants. The Commission is still finalizing the details of the package.