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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President Trump opted against further sanctions on Russia, citing the possibility of achieving a ceasefire despite Russia’s continued refusal. This decision followed a two-hour phone call with President Putin, who instead proposed negotiating a future peace treaty with Ukraine. Simultaneously, the EU, with U.S. coordination, is preparing a significant sanctions package against Russia for its refusal to implement a ceasefire. Ukraine is actively collaborating with the EU on these sanctions.
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A Polish customs seizure in Koroszczyn uncovered five metric tons of Boeing aircraft tires falsely declared as car and bus tires. The shipment originated in Spain and was destined for Azerbaijan, but was intercepted due to its suspected final use in Russia, violating sanctions imposed following the Ukraine invasion. Criminal proceedings for customs fraud have been initiated. The seized tires, intended for civilian aircraft, highlight ongoing efforts to circumvent Western sanctions on Russia.
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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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Following a conversation with President Trump, Finnish President Stubb reported growing US impatience with Vladimir Putin, urging that Ukraine’s fate not be decided without President Zelenskyy’s input. A potential US sanctions package, described as “bone-crushing,” could be introduced in Congress this week, contingent on Monday’s Trump-Putin phone call. Stubb emphasized the need for unified European action against Russia, advocating for increased European defense spending and highlighting Russia’s diminished economic and military power. The upcoming NATO summit may see disagreements on Russia strategy, particularly concerning Ukraine’s future membership.
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Trump threatens sanctions on Moscow if Ukraine peace talks fail. This isn’t a new threat; it feels like we’ve heard this same refrain countless times. The sheer repetition makes the threat itself seem almost comical, a broken record stuck on a loop. It’s exhausting to see headline after headline repeating the same cycle of threats, failures, and inaction.
The consistent pattern of failed talks raises serious questions about the effectiveness of these pronouncements. How many times can a “threat” be issued before it loses all meaning? At what point does the sheer volume of unfulfilled promises undermine any credibility whatsoever? The feeling here is one of deep-seated cynicism – a sense that nothing will actually happen, no matter how many times Trump says it.… Continue reading
Effective Thursday, Switzerland implemented a ban on unwrought Russian aluminum imports, mirroring similar restrictions on Belarusian aluminum. This action aligns with the EU’s 16th sanctions package against Russia, aiming to prevent sanctions circumvention. The ban also includes stricter export controls on certain goods, such as chromium ores and oil and gas exploration software. These measures are intended to harmonize Swiss sanctions with those of the European Union.
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Despite the recent adoption of the EU’s 17th sanctions package against Russia, French Minister Jean-Noël Barrot advocates for a more impactful approach. He stressed the need for further, coordinated sanctions with the U.S., potentially including significant tariffs on countries importing Russian oil, to cripple the Russian economy. Barrot highlighted Russia’s ability to circumvent existing sanctions, emphasizing the necessity of a more comprehensive strategy. This intensified pressure, he argued, is crucial to compelling Vladimir Putin to cease hostilities in Ukraine. Future discussions with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham regarding a proposed sanctions bill are planned.
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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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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker