We hope for an expanded 20th EU sanctions package against Russia - Sybiha

Ukraine hopes for the adoption of an expanded 20th EU sanctions package against Russia, Foreign Minister of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha said at a meeting with journalists.

"We believe that it is not enough for the sanctions to simply be adopted - they must also be an expanded package. Quite a lot of time has passed since February 24. Our understanding has grown of the need to squeeze Russians, their industry, shadow fleet, maritime services," the minister said.

He noted that Ukraine has "encouraging signals that the 20th package will happen."

"So we hope - and I noted this in my address to the EU Council - for an expanded 20th package," Sybiha stressed.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, speaking at a press conference on April 21 following the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg, said the European Union must move quickly toward adopting the 20th sanctions package against Russia and begin work on the next package.