(MENAFN) European foreign ministers convened in Luxembourg on Monday to focus on Ukraine and other global challenges as the bloc moves toward finalizing its 19th sanctions package against Russia later this week.

The EU’s top diplomat said the ministers’ agenda also includes discussions on the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the growing risks to international supply chains caused by geopolitical instability.

“We are expecting this week also to adopt the 19th package of sanctions. Unfortunately, not today, but we have a leaders’ meeting coming up Thursday,” she told reporters before the Foreign Affairs Council began.

She emphasized that Moscow “only understands strength” and continues to show little real commitment to peace, despite recent diplomatic efforts led by Washington. US President Donald Trump is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest within the next two weeks.

“Of course, all efforts for peace are welcome, but we don’t see Russia really wanting peace. My wish would have been that it’s President Zelenskyy who meets Putin, because it’s actually them who have to agree on this,” she added.

EU officials are also seeking to reinforce measures against what they describe as Russia’s “shadow fleet” — vessels allegedly used to evade Western restrictions on oil exports.

“We are discussing with the member states how to better coordinate our actions regarding the shadow fleet. We need to be more creative because they are also creative in bypassing these measures,” she said.

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