EU Delays Russia Sanctions Amidst Trump's Pressure
The European Commission is postponing a new sanctions package against Russia as the EU seeks to respond to U.S. President Trump's calls to expedite the reduction of Russian energy imports. This delay comes amid increasing pressure from the U.S. to curb economic ties with Russia over the Ukraine war.
The European Commission has deferred its latest sanctions package against Russia, EU officials confirmed on Tuesday, as the bloc grapples with demands from the Trump administration to hasten its phase-out of Russian oil and gas purchases.
The 19th sanctions package was anticipated to be presented to envoys from the 27 EU member states on Wednesday, potentially targeting Russian banks and a "shadow fleet" accused of sanctions evasion. A new discussion date has not been set, following the initial report by Politico.
In a bid to sever Moscow's vital revenue stream for its Ukraine war, Trump has intensified pressure on the European Union to halt its energy imports from Russia. The EU aims to cease Russian oil and gas purchases by January 1, 2028. However, Washington seeks faster action and is urging Europe to impose trade tariffs on India and China, key consumers of Russian oil. EU diplomats view tariff measures as unlikely.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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