EU warns of Russia’s control over Donbas and threatens new sanctions.

On Monday, the European Union warned of the consequences of Russia’s control over the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, stressing that this could push Moscow to seek further expansion while U.S.-Ukrainian talks continue in Berlin.

EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said in press statements ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels that the bloc is facing “crucial decisions” this week regarding funding for Ukraine.

Borrell added that if Russian President Vladimir Putin secures control over Donbas, he will seek more, emphasizing that any security guarantees provided to Kyiv must include “real forces and capabilities.”

According to Reuters, Borrell mentioned that the EU would decide during today’s meeting whether to impose a new package of sanctions targeting what is known as Russia’s “shadow fleet.”

These statements come at a time when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to meet again in Berlin with U.S. negotiators on Monday, led by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump, following talks that lasted for about five hours on Sunday.

Kyiv hopes to convince Washington of the need for a ceasefire agreement without making any territorial concessions to Russia beforehand. Witkoff did not provide many details about the discussions’ outcomes but stated on the platform “X” that significant progress had been made “during in-depth discussions on a 20-point peace plan, in addition to economic issues.”

A source familiar with the talks described the round as difficult, especially in light of disagreements over security guarantees and the issue of territorial concessions, which are among the most complicated matters.

Ukraine demands security guarantees inspired by Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Charter, which stipulates the principle of collective defense, but without formally joining the alliance— a demand that Ukrainian authorities have long pursued.

U.S. President Donald Trump had expressed this week his frustration with the slow pace of talks over his proposed settlement plan for the conflict that erupted with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2020, amid continued fighting and rising casualties.