(MENAFN) The European Union is preparing to adopt its 19th round of sanctions against Russia later this week, with foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg to discuss Ukraine, the Gaza situation, and global security challenges, according to statements from EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

Kallas told reporters ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council that the bloc’s focus remains on maintaining pressure on Moscow. “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 said.

The top diplomat emphasized that Moscow “only understands strength” and continues to show no genuine intent to end the conflict despite renewed diplomatic initiatives. “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 said, referencing recent peace overtures by Washington and the anticipated meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest.

Kallas noted that ministers were also focused on tightening enforcement against Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”—a group of tankers allegedly used to circumvent Western oil sanctions.

“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 explained.

Beyond the Ukraine issue, the ministers also turned their attention to the Middle East following the recently brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. “The ceasefire is the first stress test ... It’s a good first phase, but of course we need to work on what more can be done to achieve a sustainable peace,” Kallas said, underlining the EU’s responsibility to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches civilians in Gaza.

The bloc continues to deliberate potential responses to the ongoing conflict, including sanctions targeting certain Israeli officials and trade-related actions. “Of course, the situation has changed, considering the developments of the last week. We will discuss today with the foreign ministers these measures that are on the table,” Kallas added.

The discussions underscore the EU’s growing struggle to balance diplomatic engagement and pressure tactics amid escalating geopolitical uncertainty, as it seeks to maintain unity on sanctions while responding to crises in both Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

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