Euractiv learned how the EU will increase pressure on Russia after the attack on Kyiv.

The EU is discussing tougher measures within the 19th package, including targeted sanctions against suspected participants in the shadow fleet "ecosystem." Separately, the EC is discussing the use of frozen Russian assets.

EU countries are discussing tougher measures in the upcoming 19th sanctions package against RUSSIA following the attack on Kyiv on the night of August 28, Euractiv reports, citing documents. Brussels had previously suggested that the restrictions could be approved in mid-September.

The new package will focus on the shadow fleet, which the West believes Russia uses to transport oil , petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas. EU ministers will consider expanding targeted sanctions against suspected participants in the shadow fleet "ecosystem"—operators, traders, refineries, ports, and ship management companies, the publication writes.

According to Euractiv, companies based in CHINA and India could be subject to EU restrictions. The publication notes that an Indian refinery and two Chinese banks are already on the blacklist; however, it could now be significantly expanded, which would represent a sharp shift in the bloc's policy, which tends to refrain from extraterritorial measures. Brussels is also exploring the possibility of secondary sanctions under the 19th package, as reported by Euractiv.BLOOMBERG .

Separately, the European Commission is preparing possible options for the use of frozen Russian assets, which it may soon present to member states, sources told Euractiv. The day before, EC President Ursula von der Leyen made a similar statement, noting that the EU intends to use the assets to "contribute to Ukraine's defense and reconstruction." Meanwhile, France , Germany, and Belgium are warning against confiscating the funds, warning that this would undermine confidence in the euro as a reserve currency. The Belgian depository Euroclear, which holds the majority of assets frozen in the West, worth approximately $300 billion, has also warned of potential risks.

In 2024 , the European Union approved the use of windfall taxes on these funds to finance €50 billion in aid to Ukraine over the next three years. In the first half of 2025, Kyiv received €10.1 billion in profits from its European partners.

President Vladimir Putin emphasized that any Western attempts to seize Russian assets will be considered theft and will not go unpunished. 

According to the latest data from the Kyiv military administration, 23 people were killed in the attack on the Ukrainian capital, while Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported more than 60 wounded. European Union Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas reported damage to the EU Delegation building, while the British Council (an organization deemed undesirable in Russia) reported damage to its Kyiv office. The Azerbaijani Embassy was also damaged. US Presidential Envoy Keith Kellogg stated that the attack threatens peace; the White House expressed the view that the presidents of Russia and Ukraine are not ready to end the conflict. The EU and UK have summoned their Russian ambassadors.

The Kremlin noted that Russian forces continue to strike military and paramilitary infrastructure in Ukraine, and that Russia is interested in continuing the negotiation process. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria  Zakharova also stated that strikes were only targeting military targets , adding that the position of EU officials "contrasts sharply" with the lack of response from EU countries to Ukrainian shelling of civilian infrastructure in Russia. According to her, the damage to civilian infrastructure was the result of the use of Ukrainian air defense systems and electronic warfare assets.

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