EU leaders vow to keep sanctions on Russia despite US shift

EU leaders publicly assured that sanctions against Russia will not be weakened despite US actions, as stated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa before a European Council meeting. Von der Leyen noted Russia escalated despite Trump's energy ceasefire, urging increased pressure. Costa firmly ruled out lifting any sanctions until Russia ends the war, emphasizing EU support for Ukraine is stronger than ever. The statements follow recent US decisions to ease sanctions pressure and limit aid to Ukraine. The EU recently adopted its largest sanctions expansion since the war began, adding nearly 1,600 new listings.