Ukraine Urges EU to Adopt 18th Sanctions Package as Russian Strikes Intensify

Ukrainian Acting Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has urged the European Union to immediately adopt the 18th sanctions package against Russia, warning of escalating Russian missile and drone attacks on civilians. The proposal, long stalled by opposition from Slovakia, includes tightened export controls and energy sanctions. “Having failed on the front, the Kremlin is resorting to aerial terror against our quiet cities and towns,” Sybiha said on Tuesday in Lublin, following the overnight Russian bombing of a Polish-owned factory in Ukraine. “Moscow tries to break our spirit, but it won’t manage to — as long as we remain united.” https://www.thepostnews.net/2025/07/15/trump-announces-u-s-missile-support-for-ukraine-threatens-100-tariffs-on-russia-over-ongoing-war/ Flanked by Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski and Lithuanian National Security Adviser Kęstutis Budrys, Sybiha stressed that Ukraine has already agreed to U.S.-sponsored peace proposals and is willing to negotiate “in any format, in any geography.” He also condemned Russian disinformation claiming Kyiv is obstructing peace efforts. Budrys called Russia’s accusations “false narratives and false propaganda,” and echoed Ukraine’s call for the EU to adopt further sanctions against Moscow. In a surprising turn, U.S. President Donald Trump — once critical of sustained military aid is now backing an accelerated shipment of Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine. He has also pressured NATO allies to ramp up air defense deliveries and arms transfers, with the U.S. offering to replenish stocks through new arms deals. Trump has issued a 50-day ultimatum to Moscow: either agree to negotiate or face additional sanctions, including secondary sanctions targeting countries that continue to import Russian oil and gas. “People want to think he’s hardening his position,” said Daniela Schwarzer, a senior German policy analyst. “But it could be wishful thinking.” However, Trump also floated the imposition of 30% tariffs on EU goods, raising tensions with Europe even as the EU boosts military support for Kyiv. Ukrainian officials view Trump’s shift as diplomatically significant but remain cautious. Kyiv welcomes the imminent arrival of Patriot missile batteries, which could offer protection from Russian ballistic missile attacks. Still, analysts warn that the 50-day window may give the Kremlin room to escalate attacks or consolidate battlefield gains under the guise of negotiating readiness. Sybiha reiterated Kyiv’s stance: “We are willing to negotiate — however the format, however the geography. But genuine negotiations, not propaganda.” Meanwhile, European leaders are strengthening support. French President Emmanuel Macron announced €6.5 billion in new defense aid, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged continued military backing. Both countries vowed to lead a European coalition ensuring sustained arms supplies to Ukraine. At a recent NATO summit in The Hague, member states committed to increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, aligning with Trump’s long-standing demand. “This is really big,” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said during a meeting with Trump at the White House, referencing a transatlantic arms deal that lets Europe fund its Ukraine efforts while buying replacements from U.S. defense contractors. Despite shifting U.S. rhetoric, EU officials warn that Ukraine’s survival depends on European unity and persistent Western engagement. Many fear that Russian President Vladimir Putin may still try to wait out Western resolve. “Trump has not abandoned us,” one EU official said. “He simply has not committed at all either.” As Ukraine faces a renewed wave of aerial attacks and battlefield uncertainty, its message remains clear: “The time to stand up to Russia is now.”