Contents tagged with EU

  • EU implements 18th sanctions package against Russia

    In a move to counter Russia's unrelenting aggression in Ukraine, the European Union (EU) has announced the implementation of its 18th sanctions package. Despite a weeks-long hold-up due to Slovakia's blockade, EU member state representatives reached an agreement in Brussels on Friday, July 18, as reported by Kaja Kallas, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

    " The EU just approved one of its strongest sanctions package against Russia to date. We’re …

  • EU faces internal divisions as Slovakia and Malta block 18th sanctions package against Russia

    The European Union has been unable to green-light its much-anticipated 18th sanctions package against Russia, which promised to deliver a significant blow to the Russian economy. As reported by Radio Svoboda, a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on July 15 failed to reach an agreement, as Slovakia and Malta both stood in opposition.

    Journalists reveal that Bratislava is requesting assurances from Brussels for compensation if a complete ban on Russian gas imports is enforced among …

  • Estonia vows to veto EU's 18th sanctions package on Russia without stricter oil price cap

    Estonia has issued a stark warning to veto the European Union's proposed 18th sanctions package against Russia unless it includes a tougher cap on Russian oil prices, according to ERR. Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced the country's firm stance, emphasizing that the reduction of the oil price cap should be key in the forthcoming sanctions.

    "We hold a very clear position that the reduction of the oil price cap must be incorporated into this package. We have a strong stance on …

  • Russia responds to EU sanctions by blocking 15 European media outlets

    On Monday, June 30, the Russian Foreign Ministry declared that Moscow will block access to websites of 15 European media outlets. This move comes as a response to the European Union's 16th sanctions package, which targeted eight Russian publications and broadcasting channels, including Eurasia Daily, Lenta, and "Krasnaya Zvezda".

    Moscow accused European entities of "escalating the sanctions spiral," while refraining from specifying which European media outlets would be affected by the blockade. …

  • Slovakia signals support for EU's 18th sanctions package against Russia, seeks economic safeguards

    Slovakia's Foreign Minister, Juraj Blanar, has expressed his readiness to support the 18th EU sanctions package against Russia. This comes following comments by his Hungarian counterpart, Peter Szijjarto, who stated that both Hungary and Slovakia are against the new round of anti-Russian measures.

    On the evening of June 23, Blanar said that the Slovak government assesses each sanctions package by considering whether these restrictions could harm Slovakia's national economy. "Negotiations are …

  • Zelensky: Russia plans military operations in Europe

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia is planning new military operations in Europe, despite suffering notable economic losses due to imposed sanctions. This information will be shared with Western partners, Zelensky added.

    Zelensky revealed that he received a report from Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's military intelligence, discussing numerous facets of the current situation in Russia. This included an analysis of the Russian defense industry and identifying key …

  • EU prepares Schengen zone entry bans for Russians involved in Ukraine war

    The European Union is preparing a legislative framework to impose movement restrictions on Russian citizens.

    On June 19, interior ministers from several European countries met in Estonia, reaching a preliminary decision to ban Russians who have fought in Ukraine from entering the Schengen Zone.

    Estonia's Minister of the Interior, Igor Taro, stated that Europe needs to establish a firm stance regarding Russians who have fought in Ukraine. He reminded that hundreds of thousands of Russian …

  • Levada center poll: Russians view Germany as most hostile nation, favor Belarus and China as allies

    Residents of Russia have identified Belarus, China, Kazakhstan, India, and North Korea as the friendliest nations, while ranking Germany, the UK, Ukraine, the US, and Poland as the most hostile, reported the Levada Center, citing a poll conducted among citizens in Russia.

    For the first time in 20 years, the U.S. dropped to fourth position on the list of most "hostile" nations towards Russia. Germany, for the first time, topped this anti-ranking. The poll, conducted in May 2025, may reflect …

  • EU to intensify sanctions on Russia, targeting energy and banking sectors

    In the coming months, European sanctions against Russia are set to further impact its economy, said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, as reported by Radio Free Europe.

    "Today, at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, we also have an intelligence report about the real state of the Russian economy. According to this report, they are reaching a stage where they have to rely on supply chains heavily. Therefore, the impact of the sanctions will be even stronger in the coming …

  • EU plans to double artillery shell shipments to Ukraine

    Europe is poised to double its shipment of large-caliber artillery shells to Ukraine this year, according to EURACTIV. The announcement came from Robert Brieger, Chairman of the EU Military Committee, following a Brussels meeting with EU defense officials. The target is to deliver two million large-caliber munitions to Ukraine in the current year, effectively doubling last year's supply. The EU is urging member states to boost production, leveraging contracts sourced from the European Defense …