EU Prepares Fresh Sanctions on Russia: Diplomatic Cuts and Travel Ban for Ex-Military

EU Readies New Restrictive Measures Against Russia

According to Главком: The European Union is preparing a new set of restrictive measures against the Russian Federation. These include reducing Russia's diplomatic presence within EU member states and imposing an entry ban on former military personnel. Specifically, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, announced plans to limit the size of the Russian diplomatic mission to just 40 individuals. These decisions form part of the EU's broader efforts to counter Russian aggression.

In parallel, the European Union continues to work on providing Ukraine with a €90 billion loan for the 2026-2027 period. On February 24, the Council of the European Union is set to approve two of the three legislative acts required, which do not require unanimous consent. The European Commission plans to begin disbursing the funds at the start of April 2026.

Support for Ukraine and the Significance of New Sanctions

Kaja Kallas emphasized the importance of these measures, stating: 'We will not tolerate the abuse of diplomatic privileges. Together with the Commission, we are working to prevent hundreds of thousands of former Russian soldiers from entering the Schengen Zone. We cannot have war criminals and saboteurs roaming our streets.'

Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs

The EU's new sanctions against Russia underscore the bloc's growing concern over Moscow's actions, which threaten security and stability in the region. The move to restrict diplomatic presence and ban entry for former military personnel signals the EU's intent to actively deter Russian aggression. These sanctions represent a significant tightening of pressure, moving beyond economic measures to directly target state personnel and security threats.

Simultaneously, the €90 billion financial support package for Ukraine demonstrates the European Union's commitment to bolstering the country's economic and political stability. This substantial aid is a crucial step in supporting Ukraine's independence and sovereignty amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, aiming to ensure its long-term resilience.