Tallinn warns tougher energy measures are coming as Brussels approves the 20th package, signaling continued pressure on Russia without revealing all next steps.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that work on the EU’s 21st sanctions package against Russia for its aggression against Ukraine has already begun.
He said this on X, the social network, after the EU approved the 20th sanctions package.
The EU has finally adopted the 20th sanctions package. But we are not finished yet. Russia finances its aggression through energy resources. These taps must be fully closed, including by prohibiting the maritime transport of its oil. We will intensify pressure until Russia stops the war and returns to its borders. Work on the next sanctions package has begun.
– European Union
He added that Ukraine will not be left alone in this fight.
Moreover, the President of the European Council António Costa stated that today, April 23, a 90-billion-euro credit to support Ukraine for 2026–2027 was unlocked and the 20th sanctions package against Russia was approved.
Future steps of the EU and the role of Estonia
Estonia and other EU member states expect stronger economic pressure on Russia through tighter bans in the energy sector and reducing dependence on Russian resources. The development of the 21st sanctions package demonstrates the durability and coherence of the European strategy to respond to aggression and the effort to support Ukraine during this difficult period and stabilize the situation in the region.
In Kyiv and among partners there is emphasis on the importance of such support from the EU, which remains a key element of defense and recovery. The European Union continues to consolidate its stance on sanctions and financial assistance to Ukraine.