Economy

EU’s 19th Sanctions Package: How Von der Leyen and Trump Plan to Cripple Russia’s Economy

EU plans new sanctions on Russia, targeting crypto, banking, and energy. Faster fossil fuel phase-out is planned.

September 16, 2025, 9:49 PM

Donald Trump seated at a table, looking up and speaking with a US flag in the background

Donald Trump meeting with EU President Ursula von der Leyen at his Trump Turnberry Golf Club in Scotland during a golfing trip. By

Executive Summary

The European Union is preparing its 19th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting its cryptocurrency, banking, and energy sectors.

The EU intends to accelerate its existing timeline for phasing out Russian fossil fuel imports, moving beyond the previous January 1, 2028 target.

Discussions between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President Donald Trump included Trump’s advice for the EU to implement stringent tariffs on India and China for purchasing Russian oil and to cease its own imports of Russian energy.

The Story So Far

The European Union’s continuous efforts to impose economic pressure on Russia are part of a broader response to geopolitical events, with the United States consistently urging Europe to take a more assertive role. This transatlantic coordination, emphasized by President Donald Trump’s recommendations for stricter tariffs on purchasers of Russian oil and a complete cessation of EU energy imports, underscores a strategic push to accelerate the bloc’s reduction of reliance on Russian fossil fuels and further impact Russia’s economy.

Why This Matters

The European Union’s impending 19th sanctions package, targeting Russia’s cryptocurrency, banking, and energy sectors, coupled with an accelerated phase-out of Russian fossil fuel imports, represents a significant escalation of economic pressure on Russia. This strategic shift, discussed with President Trump, aims to further cripple Russia’s financial and energy lifelines while compelling a faster reorientation of Europe’s energy strategy, potentially influencing global energy markets and trade dynamics with major Russian oil purchasers.

Who Thinks What?

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU is preparing its 19th package of sanctions targeting Russia’s cryptocurrency, banking, and energy sectors, and plans to accelerate the bloc’s timeline for phasing out Russian fossil fuel imports to escalate economic pressure.

President Donald Trump advised the EU to implement stringent tariffs on India and China, identifying them as the primary purchasers of Russian oil, and suggested that the EU should cease its own imports of Russian energy entirely.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently engaged in discussions with President Donald Trump regarding enhanced economic pressure on Russia. Following their call, von der Leyen announced that the European Union is preparing to propose its 19th package of sanctions, which will specifically target Russia’s cryptocurrency, banking, and energy sectors. The Commission also intends to accelerate the bloc’s existing timeline for phasing out Russian fossil fuel imports.

EU Sanctions and Energy Strategy

President von der Leyen indicated that her conversation with President Trump centered on reinforcing joint efforts to escalate economic pressure on Russia through additional measures. The forthcoming 19th package of sanctions underscores the EU’s continued commitment to leveraging economic tools in response to geopolitical events.

A key component of the new proposals involves an expedited phase-out of Russian fossil imports. The European Union had previously set a target to cease purchases of Russian oil and gas by January 1, 2028. This accelerated timeline reflects a strategic push to reduce reliance on Russian energy sources more rapidly.

Transatlantic Dialogue and Economic Pressure

The United States has consistently urged Europe to take a more assertive role in contributing to efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine. This transatlantic dialogue highlights ongoing coordination and varying perspectives on the most effective strategies for applying economic pressure.

During his call with von der Leyen, President Trump reportedly advised the EU to implement stringent tariffs on India and China, identifying them as the primary purchasers of Russian oil. Additionally, he suggested that the EU should cease its own imports of Russian energy entirely.

Outlook

The proposed 19th sanctions package and the accelerated energy phase-out signify the EU’s proactive steps to intensify economic measures against Russia. These initiatives, discussed in the context of transatlantic cooperation, aim to further impact Russia’s economy while navigating complex global energy and trade dynamics.