Russian sanctions encounter resistance from Slovakia, according to Merz's expectations of reaching a consensus.

Ukraine War Live Updates +++ 00:02 Doors to EU Russia Sanctions Still Ajar, Despite Slovakia's Resistance

Russian sanctions encounter resistance from Slovakia, according to Merz's expectations of reaching a consensus.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz remains optimistic about achieving consensus on new EU sanctions against Russia, despite resistance from Slovakia. This tension arises due to Slovakia's reliance on Russian energy imports. The Committee of Permanent Representatives will discuss the issue for the first time next week, and there's a chance that negotiations may need to continue in the European Council. Other highlights from the day:

1. Ukraine Warns of Dire Consequences if US Aid is Withheld: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of significant repercussions if the US reduces or ceases its support for Ukraine. He emphasized that the impact would be felt not just by Ukraine but by other countries too, particularly Europe.
2. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul: Holds Talks in Rome with European Foreign Ministers on Support for Ukraine: Wadephul, alongside other officials, met with the Vatican and other European foreign ministers to discuss additional support for Ukraine. Topics included the strengthening of European defense.
3. Zelenskyj Accuses Russia of Aiming to Conquer a Corridor to Romania: Ukraine's President claims Russia has more ambitious plans than officially declared, targeting the region including Odessa and Moldova to sow chaos across Europe.
4. EU Calm on Reduced Oil Price Cap: Russia's Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov has reacted calmly to EU plans for a further reduction in the price cap for Russian oil.
5. Southeastern European Nations Condemn Russia's Aggression against Ukraine: At a summit in Odessa, leaders of several southeastern European countries made joint statements, denouncing Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They pledged ongoing support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.
6. Journalist receives six years in prison for working for Russian state media in Estonia: A court in Estonia convicted a journalist of violating international sanctions and treason by working for Rossiya Segodnya, a state-owned Russian media agency. The court found that the journalist provided economic resources to a sanctioned individual through her articles and photos for an online portal.
7. SPD Manifesto: Betting on Unity in the Federal Government: Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has maintained a neutral stance on SPD demands for a shift in foreign policy, emphasizing the federal government's unified stance on the war in Ukraine and the necessary consequences.
8. St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv sustains damage in Russian attacks: The iconic St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, suffered minor damage due to shockwaves from explosions. The extent of the damage is still uncertain, as it's unclear whether it came from Ukrainian air defense or a Russian drone.
9. Prominent Russian Opposition figure sentenced to house arrest: Lew Schlosberg, a prominent Russian opposition figure, received a two-month house arrest sentence for discrediting the military. He has been labeled a "foreign agent," a term often used during the Soviet era to target critical voices.
10. Kremlin Expects No Quick Normalization of Relations with the USA: Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, downplayed the expectation for a swift improvement in relations with the USA, acknowledging that "many obstacles" persist.

Ukraine-EU Relations

The European Union has been gradually strengthening sanctions on Russia since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. The latest proposal, unveiled on June 10, 2025, seems to be the most extensive sanctions package yet. Key elements include lowering the oil price cap, additional banking restrictions, targeting the shadow fleet and Nord Stream, and expanded sanctions on energy exports, infrastructure, and financial institutions.

Slovakia, heavily dependent on Russian energy, has voiced its concerns about the new sanctions and has threatened to block their implementation if the European Commission does not address its energy security needs. However, Slovakia has approved all previous sanctions packages, and it still remains to be seen whether it will stand firm in blocking this one. Tensions between EU member states highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining unity while addressing the complexities of energy security and sanctions against Russia.

1. The Committee of Permanent Representatives, in discussing the ongoing EU sanctions against Russia next week, may need to address concerns raised by Slovakia, which depends on Russian energy imports and has expressed reservations about the new sanctions policy.
2. As the European Union contemplates further tightening sanctions against Russia in the wake of the Ukraine war, political tensions within the EU have come to the fore, particularly in relation to Slovakia's resistance to increased energy restrictions due to its reliance on Russian energy sources.

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