EU fails to adopt new Russia sanctions due to Hungarian, Slovak opposition, source says
Unlike Ukraine-skeptic Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Slovakia has not previously attempted to block EU sanctions.
EU sanctions
EU agrees to extend sanctions against Russia for 6 months
The agreement comes amid fears that Hungary, one of the bloc's most Kremlin-friendly member states, would attempt to block the sanctions extension.
EU leaders call for tougher sanctions on Russia at G7 summit
"To achieve peaceful strength we must put more pressure on Russia to secure a real ceasefire, to bring Russia to the negotiating table, and to end this war. Sanctions are critical to that end," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
Russia exploits medical exemptions to bypass sanctions, Lithuania says
Lithuanian customs authorities blocked 28,854 goods in 2024 that were allegedly destined for Russia and Belarus "under the guise of medical exemption," Lithuania's Deputy Foreign Minister Gabija Grigaite-Daugirde said.
EU could impose Russian oil price cap without US support, Kallas says
The European Union can impose an additional price cap on Russian oil without U.S. support, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said at the Brussels Forum on June 11.
Ukraine war latest: Ukraine strikes targets in Russia, including gunpowder plant
Key developments on June 11: * Ukrainian drones strike targets in Russia, including gunpowder plant, General Staff says * Zelensky urges 'stronger' EU sanctions on Russia, lower oil price cap * Ukraine repatriates bodies of 1,212 fallen soldiers * Ukraine's SBU releases fresh video of Operation Spiderweb, teases 'new surprises' * NATO summit statement
Zelensky urges 'stronger' EU sanctions on Russia, lower oil price cap
President Volodymyr Zelensky said the upcoming 18th EU sanctions package "could be stronger," especially in targeting Russian oil tankers and the financial sector.
Slovak PM threatens to veto 18th sanctions package against Russia over energy concerns
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said that he would block additional sanctions unless the EU finds "a real solution to the crisis situation that Slovakia would face following a complete halt in the supply of gas, oil, and nuclear fuel from Russia."
EU unveils 18th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting energy, banking, oil
The EU has proposed for the first time a ban on transactions involving the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines, as well as a reduction in the oil price cap from $60 to $45 per barrel, among other measures.
Slovakia will veto Russian sanctions if they harm national interests, Fico says
Fico's comments come as Slovakia’s parliament passed a resolution on June 5 urging the government to oppose any new international sanctions or trade restrictions against Russia, citing alleged negative economic impacts.
Slovak parliament urges government to oppose new Russia sanctions
The non-binding resolution argues that the sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine have driven up energy prices, disrupted supply chains, and harmed Slovak industry.
Using Russian assets for Ukraine aid needs 'closer look,' German official says
Top German official Thorsten Frei said in an interview with German media on May 31 that the EU should reconsider using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, urging a tougher stance against the Kremlin.
'Putin is not interested in peace' — German FM calls for additional sanctions following large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine
"(Russian President Vladimir) Putin is not interested in peace, he wants to continue this war, and we must not allow this, which is why the European Union will agree on additional sanctions," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on May 25.
EU mulls cutting over 20 Russian banks from SWIFT, banning Nord Stream in new sanctions, Bloomberg reports
The new measures under consideration would also include lowering the Group of Seven oil price cap on Russian crude exports from $60 to around $45 per barrel.
EU to sanction Nord Stream 2 pipeline as Russia rejects Ukraine ceasefire, Bloomberg reports
The EU is close to restricting the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in a new round of sanctions as Russia refuses a ceasefire in its war against Ukraine, Bloomberg reported.
Ukraine to pitch harsher Russian sanctions to EU next week as US sanctions fall through, Reuters reports
Reuters reported on May 21 that Ukraine will propose to the EU that the bloc speed up the seizure of frozen Russian assets to provide to Kyiv. The additional proposed sanctions would also target foreign companies that assist Russia through the use of technology, and "the introduction of secondary sanctions on purchasers of Russian oil".
'It is already being prepared' — Ukraine, Lithuania call for harsher sanctions against Russia in 18th package
"Deception, disruption, distraction, and delay, and the whole point of it is to avoid sanctions," Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said. "We Europeans have to stop this vicious cycle and the instrument to stop it is to impose new sanctions."
EU to downsize diplomatic service, prioritize Russia sanctions enforcement, POLITICO reports
The European Union is preparing to downsize its diplomatic service – the European External Action Service (EEAS) – and redirect funds toward strategic interests such as enforcing sanctions against Russia, POLITICO reported on May 20.
Ukraine war latest: 'Russia is trying to buy time to continue the war' — Zelensky says after Putin-Trump call
Key developments on May 20: * 'Russia is trying to buy time to continue the war' — Zelensky says after Putin-Trump call * EU approves 17th package of Russia sanctions, targets shadow fleet * Rubio says US, NATO seek more Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine * Kyiv to receive 400,000 more shells from
EU approves 17th package of Russia sanctions, targets shadow fleet
"New measures also address hybrid threats and human rights. More sanctions on Russia are in the works," Kaja Kallas said on X.
EU to adopt 17th sanctions package against Russia on May 20; 18th package underway
EU ambassadors on May 14 agreed on the bloc's 17th package of sanctions against Russia, primarily targeting its shadow fleet of oil tankers.
EU to push G7 to lower Russian oil price cap, commissioner says
EU officials told Reuters they would propose bringing the cap down from $60 to $50 per barrel, as Brussels and its allies seek to further reduce the Kremlin's revenue from fossil fuel exports.
'Strong EU sanctions' coming soon, US expected to sanction Russian banks, energy, Zelensky says
Ukraine knows the date that the EU package will go into effect, though the president did not share that detail in his remarks. Zelensky also said he expects the U.S. to impose sanctions 'when they see fit.'
EU prepares sanctions against Russia's shadow fleet, German FM says
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Germany and its allies are responding to hybrid threats in the Baltic region with increased patrols and renewed pressure on Russia's covert shipping operations.
'We have to increase the pressure' — Von der Leyen vows new Russia sanctions after Putin skips peace talks
Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Commission is preparing a new sanctions package, which would include sanctions on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, additional listings of vessels from Russia's shadow fleet, a lower oil price cap, and sanctions on Russia's financial sector.
'Putin did not show up' — EU to adopt Russian sanctions on May 20 after Putin snubbed peace talks with Zelensky
The European Union will adopt sanctions against Russia on May 20 in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's declining to attend face-to-face talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on May 15.
Despite the hype, EU's latest Russia sanctions 'not as strong as they should be'
The European Union’s 17th package of sanctions against Russia, agreed on May 14, is being hailed in Brussels as a symbol of steady resolve. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the move, insisting it would "keep the pressure high on the Kremlin." But outside the EU bubble,
EU agrees on 17th package of Russia sanctions targeting 'shadow fleet'
The measures target almost 200 ships of Russia's "shadow fleet," 30 companies involved in sanctions evasion, 75 sanctions on entities and individuals linked to the Russian military-industrial complex, and more.
Macron promises new Russia sanctions, discusses French nuclear deterrent for Europe
In an interview with French broadcaster TF1 on May 13, Macron discussed new Russia sanctions and stationing French nuclear weapons in other European countries as a deterrent against Russia.
EU prepares capital controls, tariffs on Russia in case Hungary blocks sanctions, FT reports
The sanctions will expire at the end of July unless all 27 EU member states agree to extend them.
'Clock is ticking' — Germany gives Russia until midnight to implement ceasefire, threatens sanctions
"The clock is ticking — we still have twelve hours until the end of this day," German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius reportedly said.
EU to unveil new sanctions against Russia on May 14, source says
The EU plans to unveil on May 14 its next package of sanctions imposed against Russia over its aggression against Ukraine, an EU official told the Kyiv Independent on condition of anonymity.
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