EU plans to restrict movement of Russian diplomats and approve record sanctions package

The Council of the European Union's Foreign Affairs Ministers will meet in Luxembourg on October 12, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha participating. This was announced by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Ukrainian delegation priorities

During the meeting, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha will brief his European counterparts on the escalation of Russian attacks, which have caused a large number of civilian casualties. He will also outline the most urgent needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and present a report on the progress of peace efforts.

Key topics for discussion will include increasing pressure on Russia, developing defence cooperation, and advancing negotiations on Ukraine's EU accession. The minister will also pay particular attention to strengthening sanctions against Russia and the full utilisation of frozen Russian assets.

In addition, Andriy Sybiha will raise issues regarding the protection of Ukrainian airspace, the restoration of food exports, strengthening the country's energy resilience, and opening negotiation clusters on EU accession.

Restrictions on Russian diplomats

On October 12, the foreign ministers of EU member states will also discuss the possibility of imposing restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats between the Union's states. Among the proposed measures is a complete ban on leaving the country where they are accredited.

Record sanctions package

In addition, EU foreign ministers are expected to approve the largest-ever sanctions list against Russia, which contains 1,646 items.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Andriy Sybiha will hold a series of bilateral talks with his European counterparts. The visit programme also includes meetings with senior officials from Luxembourg.