EU struggles to agree 21st Russia sanctions package as Zelenskyy vows to bring war home

European Union ambassadors gathered in Brussels on Wednesday morning in a bid to approve the 21st package of sanctions against Russia, following previous unsuccessful attempts. The meeting, which began at 10am local time, comes amid growing fatigue among some member states over the effectiveness of sanctions. Lithuania’s ambassador to the EU, Nerijus Aleksiejūnas, told LRT that the most common argument is that sanctions should not hurt European economies more than Russia’s. As a result, the EU has dropped several proposed measures, including restrictions on Russia’s fishing sector, a ban on Russian soldiers entering Europe, and sanctions against Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill. France, Italy, and Spain issued the highest number of visas to Russian citizens last year, according to LRT. Additionally, Greece continues to oppose restrictions on Russian LNG supplies. It remains unclear whether the ambassadors will reach an agreement before the summer break.

Outside the EU, Ukraine continued its long-range strikes inside Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised overnight attacks on logistics hubs that supply the Russian army with drone components, navigation equipment, and other gear. “We are, quite justly, bringing the war back home – to Russia,” he said, adding that Russia must be forced to turn to diplomacy. Ukraine also struck more warehouses of Russia’s largest online retailer, Wildberries, overnight, reportedly injuring eight people. The Ukrainian and EU flags were seen side by side at the Berlaymont building in Brussels, symbolising the bloc’s support for Kyiv.

The developments highlight the delicate balance the EU must strike between maintaining pressure on Russia and addressing the concerns of its own member states.