EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas declared Russia a direct threat to the EU, citing sabotage, cyberattacks, and military buildup exceeding the combined spending of all 27 EU nations. This massive military investment suggests a long-term plan for future aggression, potentially targeting NATO allies. Concerns are rising regarding Russia’s intent to test NATO’s Article 5 collective defense clause, fueled by intelligence suggesting Ukraine is merely a stepping stone in Russia’s westward expansion ambitions. Experts warn of Russia’s aim to weaken NATO and expel the U.S. from Europe, highlighting the need for increased deterrence.
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French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Greenland on June 15th, meeting with Greenland’s and Denmark’s prime ministers. This visit follows recent U.S. expressions of interest in acquiring Greenland, prompting concerns about the island’s sovereignty. The trip demonstrates European Union solidarity with Greenland and Denmark in the face of these geopolitical challenges. Discussions will focus on regional security, economic development, climate change, and energy.
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Radosław Sikorski’s recent Le Monde column argues that a Trumpist shift in US foreign policy necessitates a self-reliant European defense strategy. This is due to a perceived waning US interest in European affairs, as evidenced by statements from American leaders prioritizing domestic concerns. The column asserts the EU’s capacity to handle its own defense independently. Sikorski’s perspective highlights a growing concern that the US may withdraw support from European security issues, including those in Ukraine.
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Following the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys urged immediate commencement of work on the 18th EU sanctions package against Russia. This package should target Russia’s most vulnerable sectors, including energy, finance, and the defense industry, to counteract Putin’s delaying tactics. Budrys stressed the need for swift action, emphasizing that the previous sanctions package is already outdated and decisive measures are necessary to maintain credibility. The 18th package may include targeting banks from non-EU countries supporting Russia’s military. This follows discussions between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and European Commission President von der Leyen regarding further restrictions on Moscow.
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The EU’s resolve to impose new sanctions on Russia, even without US participation, signals a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape. This decision stems from a deep disillusionment with the US’s current stance, perceived as complicity in the conflict in Ukraine. The belief that the US has, under its current leadership, aligned itself with autocratic regimes rather than democratic allies, fuels this determination.
This perceived betrayal has pushed the EU to prioritize its own interests and security. The feeling is that the US’s actions, seen as prioritizing short-term financial gains over long-term strategic alliances, have rendered its involvement unreliable and detrimental.… Continue reading
The EU implemented its seventeenth sanctions package against Russia on May 20th, targeting nearly 200 vessels within Russia’s shadow fleet and addressing hybrid threats and human rights violations. This action follows previous announcements regarding increased pressure on Russia, including potential sanctions against supporting financial institutions. Work has already begun on an eighteenth package, potentially targeting banks outside the EU that aid Russia’s military. The EU’s stance remains firm: escalated Russian aggression will be met with progressively stronger countermeasures.
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The EU approved its 17th sanctions package against Russia, focusing on its “shadow” oil fleet used to circumvent existing export restrictions and targeting approximately 200 tankers. The package also adds dozens of Russian officials to the sanctions list for various offenses, including cyberattacks and human rights abuses. This relatively modest package reflects the increasing difficulty in achieving EU-wide consensus on new sanctions. Further, the EU issued a stark warning of “massive sanctions” should Russia reject a proposed ceasefire in Ukraine, emphasizing the potential for significantly harsher measures in the future.
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The EU has approved a new sanctions package against Russia, targeting individuals, entities circumventing sanctions, and those involved in Russia’s war effort. This includes expanding the targeting of ships damaging Ukrainian infrastructure and adding more vessels to the “shadow fleet” list. While the package primarily focuses on economic measures, the EU also plans to further address Russian fossil fuel imports and explore additional sanctions, including the potential seizure of frozen Russian assets, depending on future Kremlin actions. These measures aim to increase pressure on Russia to end its war in Ukraine.
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Following President Trump’s attempts at peace negotiations, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna advocates for a unified US and European approach to pressure Russia. This pressure should involve intensified sanctions and the seizure of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s reconstruction. Tsahkna emphasizes the need for a strong stance against Putin, citing potential Hungarian obstruction of EU sanctions and suggesting Trump could influence Hungary’s position. Ultimately, he believes that only significant pressure will elicit a meaningful response from Putin.
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The European Union firmly rejects Russia’s annexation of Crimea, with its top diplomat stating that Crimea is unequivocally Ukrainian territory. Concerns exist regarding a potential U.S. peace plan that may involve concessions to Russia, including lifting sanctions and de jure recognition of Crimea’s annexation. The EU is preparing alternative strategies to maintain sanctions on Russia if the U.S. withdraws support for Ukraine. While acknowledging internal EU divisions and potential for defections, the EU emphasizes the need for unity and continued financial, albeit potentially limited military, support for Ukraine.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood