Ukraine is pushing the European Union to take stronger, independent action against Russia, as U.S. President Donald Trump delays further sanctions. A confidential Ukrainian white paper, set to be presented to the EU next week, outlines proposals including asset seizures from sanctioned individuals, secondary sanctions on buyers of Russian oil, and streamlined majority-voting to avoid vetoes from single EU states.
Ukraine’s recommendations reflect growing concern over Washington’s wavering commitment. The white paper criticizes the Trump administration for withdrawing from global sanctions coordination efforts and delaying two potential U.S. sanctions packages. It warns that America’s retreat could damage EU unity and reduce the overall impact of Western sanctions on Moscow.
Despite Trump’s call with Putin and decision to pause additional sanctions, the EU and UK imposed new penalties on Russia. Kyiv now urges the EU to lead the pressure campaign, proposing that sanctioned assets be redirected to Ukraine and that European technology used to aid Russia be penalized, even beyond EU borders.
Introducing secondary sanctions—targeting countries like China and India that buy Russian oil—would be a major policy shift for the EU. While Trump previously hinted at similar measures, he has since opted to wait for further diplomatic talks.
Ukrainian officials fear that U.S. withdrawal could embolden Russia and fragment EU resolve. However, experts say the EU’s consistent stance could still deter investment in Russia, even if Washington steps back.
“Europe holds more leverage than expected,” said Craig Kennedy, a Russian energy expert at Harvard.
As the U.S. appears to scale back sanctions efforts, Ukraine is counting on the EU to intensify its leadership in isolating Russia economically and politically.