EU prepares 19th package of sanctions on Russia, yet US holds real leverage
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
The European Union is developing new measures to weaken Russia's military economy, but already realizes that the United States, not Brussels, has the most influence in this area, according to Politico.
According to four European diplomats, the latest round of sanctions does not include any significant new restrictions on the sale of energy resources that finance Moscow's war against Ukraine.
The 19th package of sanctions, to be presented next month, targets the shadow fleet and companies that help Russia circumvent restrictions.
The most painful for Moscow will be secondary sanctions against companies or countries that do business with Russia, but it is the US that has a real impact on the Kremlin's economy.
Russia's Vladimir Putin began negotiations with Donald Trump after Washington imposed high tariffs on India for buying Russian oil. The next step could be restrictions on trade with China.
Trump hinted at possible large-scale sanctions or massive tariffs if Moscow does not support peace talks.
Pressure on Russia
According to the agency, the EU has already adopted a number of restrictions: a minimum price for Russian oil has been set, imports of fuel from Russian crude oil have been banned, and companies associated with Nord Stream have been blacklisted.
However, experts note that the bloc has limited options for further pressure on Moscow.
Secondary US sanctions could further exacerbate the Kremlin's economic problems, but Moscow does not yet perceive them as a serious threat.
Other measures under discussion include restricting the free movement of Russian diplomats in the Schengen area, which would complicate Russian intelligence activities in Europe.
EU foreign ministers will meet at an informal summit to discuss economic restrictions against Russia.
Diplomats are confident that they will be able to pressure Hungary and Slovakia to give unanimous support to the 19th package of sanctions.
"Just look at what’s happened the last 18 times," one of the envoys said.
EU prepares 19th package of sanctions against Russia
The European Union is preparing its 19th package of sanctions against Russia since the start of the full-scale war against Ukraine.
Ukraine has submitted its proposals to Brussels on what should be included in the new list of restrictive measures, according to Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the EU's sanctions coordinator.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys called for the adoption of the 19th package of sanctions and increased support for Ukraine.
