EU keeps Russia sanctions until war ends

The European Union has assured Ukraine it will not weaken sanctions against Russia until the war ends, urging increased pressure on Moscow instead. The pledge comes as the US considers easing its own restrictions. EU officials made the statements on Friday, October 16, ahead of a European Council meeting in Brussels. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Russia never honored the US-brokered energy ceasefire, calling for stronger pressure. European Council President Antonio Costa echoed this stance, rejecting any reduction in support for Ukraine. Von der Leyen stated no sanctions will be lifted until Russia stops its military action. Ukraine reportedly plans to propose new sanctions against ten more Russian oligarchs after removing Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov from previous lists.