European foreign and defense ministers are convening to address the dwindling support for Ukraine in recent months. Additionally, they will discuss the imposition of sanctions against both Russia and Iran.

On Monday, foreign and defense ministers from EU member states gathered in Luxembourg. Their agenda included discussions on continued support for Ukraine and the possible extension of sanctions against Iran. Numerous ministers expressed relief after the US Congress finally passed a long-awaited aid package for Ukraine. This aid is crucial for bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities and stability.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized the significance of the moment, not only for Ukraine but also for maintaining peace in Europe. She praised the breakthrough in the US Congress, highlighting the alignment between the EU and the US as Ukraine's primary supporters. Baerbock urged allies to enhance Ukraine's aerial defense capabilities in response to heightened Russian rocket and drone attacks, calling on governments to assess their stocks and explore ways to expand air defense support.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis echoed Baerbock's sentiments, welcoming the US aid package as a crucial step. However, he cautioned against complacency, stating that while one crisis may have been averted, more challenges lie ahead. Landsbergis emphasized the importance of sustained assistance and continued discussions on further support for Ukraine.

The meeting of EU ministers coincides with Ukraine's urgent appeal for more weapons and ammunition, as it faces relentless attacks from Russian forces. Despite this plea, there haven't been any new commitments from EU members, prompting Latvia's new Foreign Minister Baiba Braze to call on her colleagues to increase their support.

While the ministers were scheduled to discuss a new package of sanctions against Russia, the topic of potential sanctions against Iran may garner more public interest. These sanctions would be part of a program aimed at penalizing states that support Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Iran having supplied drones to Russia.

According to Landsbergis, discussions on the new sanctions primarily focus on spare parts for drones not currently under sanction, as well as ballistic missiles. Additionally, there are talks about labeling Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.

In order for such action to proceed, an EU member state would need to initiate prosecution against the IRGC. Officials are currently reviewing a recent court ruling against the organization by a court in the German city of Dusseldorf.

Interest in isolating the group has surged following Iran's retaliation against Israel, where hundreds of rockets and drones were fired after a strike in Syria resulted in the deaths of several IRGC commanders.