Search & fact check with cited sources for What new sanctions against Russia did EU High Representative Kaja Kallas propose after Russian strikes on Kyiv and Sloviansk on July 25, 2026, how did this follow the EU's 21st sanctions package adopted the day before, and what was the r

Here are the findings based on multiple news reports published around July 24–25, 2026.

Kaja Kallas's sanctions proposal after the July 24 strikes

On July 24, 2026, after Russian strikes hit Sloviansk and the Kyiv region, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas announced she would propose new sanctions targeting entities that support Russia's military-industrial complex . Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Kallas stated that the EU would also summon Russia's ambassador in response to the attacks . She condemned the strikes as deliberate attacks on civilians and argued that "the more Moscow attacks civilians, the more sanctions must be imposed" .

How this follows the EU's 21st sanctions package

The 21st sanctions package was adopted by the EU on July 23, 2026 — the day before Kallas's announcement . That package was described as the EU's largest round of individual sanctions in four years, containing 218 new designations (170 entities and 48 individuals) . Its key targets included:

• Russian banks and cryptocurrency networks
• Oil traders and the Russian "shadow fleet"
• Drone-manufacturing networks and military-industrial supply chains
• A 12-month freeze on the Russian crude oil price cap

The EEAS stated the package was designed to "weaken Russia's ability to wage its war of aggression in Ukraine" . Kallas's July 24 proposal to sanction more military-industrial complex entities was framed as a direct follow-on to that package — an escalation triggered by the fact that Russia struck Ukrainian cities almost immediately after the EU adopted its latest round of sanctions .

Andriy Sybiha's response and call for tougher action

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha responded on the same day (July 24) by declaring: "The time for gradual decisions is over" . He called on the international community to respond to Russia's escalation with "new tough sanctions and increased economic pressure on Russia" . Sybiha specifically urged partners to move beyond incremental measures and impose harder-hitting restrictions that would actually cripple Russia's ability to continue the war .

Sybiha had previously welcomed the 21st sanctions package on July 23, but his July 24 statement made clear that in light of the fresh strikes on Kyiv and Sloviansk, the 21st package alone was insufficient and that stronger, faster action was needed .