Brussels announced its 19th sanctions package last week, saying the measures are intended to increase pressure on Russia after violations of EU airspace by Russian drones, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
The package aims to tighten existing measures by closing loopholes, for example targeting the so‑called shadow fleet and allies of Russia such as the United Arab Emirates, and by setting deadlines for phasing out Russian oil.
“We don’t have full insight into the exact effects of sanctions, but there are clear signals that Russia is not doing well economically. The EU’s combination of pressure and insistence does harm the Russians,” said Hendrik Vos, professor of political science at the University of Ghent.
Vos said the EU has learned from earlier packages that were often approved with shortcuts and loopholes that allowed Russia to circumvent restrictions.
But not all observers say sanctions alone will stop the war. “Sanctions are necessary, but they are not sufficient if the goal is to force Russia to stop,” said Jean‑Yves Ndzana Ndzana, a researcher in international relations and sanctions policy at Leiden University.
“It is good that there will be clear deadlines to stop Russian oil, but that is not going to end the war. More action is needed,” Ndzana added, arguing the EU must take other steps beyond sanctions to resolve problems that undermine their effect.
Ndzana pointed to countries filling the gaps left by European measures. “Tons and tons of oil are going that way, with no consequences,” he said, referring to large volumes of discounted Russian crude now being bought by India and others.
He also warned that divisions within the EU weaken policy: “If those countries don’t cooperate, the whole policy will be eroded,” noting that Hungary and Slovakia continue to buy Russian oil and sometimes block tougher measures.
“Europe’s biggest problem is dependency. Member states get a lot of raw materials from outside the EU. As long as that remains the case, they can easily be pressured by Russia, but also, for example, by China or the US,” Ndzana said, calling for clearer priorities and greater investment in strategic autonomy.
Vos urged continued support for Ukraine alongside sanctions. “Only in this way can Europe ensure that Russia does not see aggression rewarded,” he said. “That way, they can no longer sustain this war for very long.”
