EU will not lift any Russian sanctions until war in Ukraine ends — von der Leyen

European Union's President Ursula von der Leyen declared on October 16 that the EU will not lift any sanctions against Russia until the ongoing war in Ukraine comes to an end. The European Commission head emphasized that the EU is currently drafting its 22nd sanctions package against Russia. She firmly stated, "One thing is absolutely clear: we will not lift any sanctions unless Russia stops the war."

Von der Leyen also commented on U.S. President Donald Trump's recent remarks, supporting the "energy ceasefire" declared by Washington on October 11; however, she noted that Russia is not complying with this agreement. Additionally, the EU officials are set to discuss Ukraine's financial and budgetary requirements not just for 2026 but also for 2027.

On October 9, Trump announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, allowing the export of Russian diesel to American and global markets to mitigate domestic fuel prices in the U.S. The U.S. Treasury Department later issued a license clearing the sale and import of Russian diesel until April 7, 2027.

According to a report by Reuters on October 15, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright indicated that Washington might ease sanctions against Russia's "shadow fleet." The U.S. also influenced Ukraine to cease military operations against Russian oil refineries, threatening to suspend intelligence sharing and arms sales if Ukraine proceeded with its attacks.