The European Union’s plans to sanction Russia are stagnating amid internal disagreements, as Ukraine continues to bear the brunt of devastating attacks.
At a Glance
- The EU plans to further sanction Russia, but internal discord delays action.
- Tragic attacks in Ukraine result in civilian casualties, prompting calls for more international support.
- Slovakia’s energy dependency complicates EU negotiations on new sanctions.
- The UK and Canada successfully implement additional sanctions against Russia.
European Union Sanctions: A Complex Task
The European Union is facing challenges in pushing through new sanctions against Russia amid recent attacks in Ukraine. While 17 sanction packages have already been deployed, unity among the 27 member states is proving elusive. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans for new sanctions during a summit in Albania, but internal discord, primarily driven by Slovakia’s energy concerns, hinders progress.
At a recent summit in Tirana, European leaders highlighted the urgency of unanimity for effective sanctions. Proposals include a Nord Stream ban, lower crude oil price caps, and expanded sanctions on the financial sector. The UK and Canada, aligning with global sentiment, have already enacted additional measures to hold Russia accountable, heeding Ukraine’s plea for sustained pressure.
The Human Cost of Ongoing Conflict
Recent Russian attacks underscore the growing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, coinciding with its Constitution Day. A drone attack in Odesa killed a married couple and injured 17, including children. In Donetsk and Kherson, civilians have perished amidst continued violence, urging world leaders to renew focus on conflict resolution. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to press for unconditional ceasefire agreements, advocating for international coordination on sanctions.
Amidst ongoing attacks, Zelensky emphasizes honoring the memory of the deceased, rallying allies to address Slovakia’s challenge in reducing its dependency on Russian energy, which complicates negotiations on the EU level.
Global Reactions and Sanction Dynamics
European leaders, alongside Ukrainian diplomats, are pushing for unity and a coordinated approach to sanctions. The European Commission proposed a fresh round of sanctions targeting Russia’s energy income and military-industrial aspects, seeking to tighten measures where possible.
Watch: EU split on Ukraine, Russian sanctions, and US trade deal
