Brussels: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his expectation for the European Union's 20th sanctions package against Russia to be 'powerful and effective' during a joint briefing with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy emphasized his reliance on the sanctions package despite facing 'various challenges.' He conveyed his hope for its swift adoption, stating that 'this is a form of diplomacy that Russia understands.' In response, Ursula von der Leyen assured Zelenskyy that adopting the sanctions is only a matter of time and that it should occur as soon as possible.

The EU has not yet reached an agreement on the latest sanctions package, as EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas noted following a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels. Kallas acknowledged the setback and the unintended message it sends, but emphasized that discussions are ongoing, particularly with Hungarian and Slovak authorities who have opposed the package.