On November 28, at the Center for Public Energy "Vezha", Valeriy Klychko and economist Ivan Us discussed the current state of sanctions against Russia, the stances of various European countries, particularly Hungary, and the prospects for EU financial support to Ukraine.
The latest US-imposed sanctions against the companies Lukoil and Rosneft are being implemented by some EU countries, such as the UK, with delays or exceptions. Officially, the sanctions came into force on November 21, but Bulgarian assets and some other directions received temporary exemptions. These measures reflect the economic interests of different states and their aim to maintain energy stability.
A lack of consolidated EU sanctions policy is observed. For instance, Hungary supports continued trade with Russia, while the Western press reports about the possibility of a Hungarian company acquiring Lukoil's European assets.
Experts note that strong economic ties between Europe and Russia complicate the EU’s full rejection of Russian resource imports. In the first seven months of 2025, EU countries paid Russia almost $20 billion, while schemes to circumvent sanctions, including exceptions and indirect purchases, persist.
The issue of financial support for Ukraine from the EU is particularly relevant given corruption scandals. Despite concerns about transparency in fund usage, the EU welcomes Ukrainian anti-corruption efforts and continues to consider financial assistance. Ukraine remains highly dependent on external funding, and the effectiveness of the sanctions policy directly affects the region's economic outlook.
Other key topics discussed include the potential redistribution of frozen Russian assets and approaches to reparations, which depend on the political will of major players in Europe and the US. Debates continue over future policies towards Russia, its influence on markets, and regional security dynamics.
In summary, experts emphasize the need to strengthen sanctions enforcement and ensure accountability for violations in order to achieve real impact on the aggressor and guarantee ongoing financial support for Ukraine.
