EU to suggest quicker phase-out of Russian power, Von der Leyen says

The European Commission will suggest rushing up the phase-out of Russian fossil imports, the European Union govt’s head Ursula von der Leyen stated on Tuesday (September 16, 2025) after a name with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Ms. Von der Leyen stated that she had a name with Mr. Trump on strengthening joint efforts to extend financial stress on Russia by means of further measures.

More than three years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. and European Union nonetheless import billions of euros value of Russian power and commodities, starting from liquefied pure gasoline to enriched uranium.

“The Commission will soon present its 19th package of sanctions, targeting crypto, banks, and energy,” Ms. von der Leyen wrote in a submit on social media platform X.

“The Commission will propose speeding up the phase-out of Russian fossil imports,” she added.

The bloc had beforehand supposed to finish purchases of Russian oil and gasoline by January 1, 2028.

The U.S. has stepped up stress on Europe to play a extra strong function in serving to to finish Russia’s battle in Ukraine.

Mr. Trump has advised the EU it ought to impose harsh tariffs on India and China, the largest patrons of Russian oil, and cease importing Russian power itself.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has stated the Trump administration wouldn’t impose further levies on Chinese items to halt China’s purchases of Russian oil until EU nations first hit China and India with punitive duties of their very own.