The European Union has included two Chinese regional banks, Suifenhe Rural Commercial and Heihe Rural Commercial, in the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. China actively lobbied for the exclusion of the banks, but the EU ignored the threats, leaving open the possibility of exclusion in six months, provided support for the Russian army ceases.
The EU has approved a new package of sanctions against Russia, which includes a revised price cap on Russian oil, disconnection of banks from SWIFT and restrictions on the shadow fleet. The sanctions also apply to Chinese banks and the export of drone technologies.
EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas stated that Russia is intensifying the use of chemical weapons against Ukraine to force its surrender. At least 9,000 cases of chemical weapon use have been recorded since the start of the full-scale invasion.
During a meeting of the EU Council, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reported on Russian strikes and emphasized the need to strengthen Ukraine's airspace. He called for increased sanctions against Russia, increased investment in Ukraine's defense industry, and the advancement of its accession to the EU.
Malta and Slovakia did not support the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia. A decision is expected after the meeting of EU ambassadors.
Three European Union countries oppose lowering prices for Russian oil as part of the 18th package of sanctions. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated the lack of consensus, without naming specific countries.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas expressed hope for the adoption of the bloc's 18th package of sanctions against Russia "today or tomorrow. " She also emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine and pressuring Russia.
Kaja Kallas, the EU's chief foreign affairs representative, welcomed Donald Trump's tough stance on Russia but called the 50-day ultimatum to punish Moscow "very long. " Trump announced strict tariffs for Russia if there is no ceasefire agreement in Ukraine within 50 days.
EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas condemned Russian attacks on Ukraine, calling them unacceptable. Brussels is considering the 18th package of sanctions and discussing a price cap on oil for the Russian Federation.
The European Union and Israel have reached an agreement to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Measures include increasing humanitarian aid supplies, restoring aid routes, and repairing infrastructure.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that Beijing cannot allow Russia to be defeated in the war against Ukraine. He explained this by fears that the US would then fully shift its attention to China.
EU's chief diplomat Kaja Kallas stated that Chinese companies' support for Russia in the war against Ukraine poses a serious threat to European security. She urged China to cease material support for the Russian military-industrial complex and to promote peace in Ukraine.
The European Union has officially agreed to extend sectoral sanctions against Russia. This decision underlines continued pressure on Moscow to end the war in Ukraine.
The US will not impose new sanctions against Russia in order to preserve the possibility for peace talks. President Trump is ignoring requests from Europe to tighten restrictions.
Kaja Kallas stated that Ukraine is the main priority for Europe. She emphasized the importance of helping Kyiv and increasing pressure on Russia to achieve peace.
The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiha, and the High Representative of the EU, Kaja Kallas, discussed the strengthening of sanctions against Russia and Ukraine's accession to the EU. Sybiha emphasized Ukraine's fulfillment of all requirements for negotiations on EU membership.
Concerns about a possible Russian attack on NATO countries are growing among Alliance members, who predict such a possibility in 3-7 years. NATO Secretary General Rutte emphasized the urgent need for a significant increase in defense budgets and strengthening of armies, and also drew attention to China's growing military power.
Israel rejects the European Union's accusations of human rights and humanitarian aid violations in Gaza, stating that it is waging a just fight. The Israeli government criticized the EU report, which "does not take into account the context" and "strategic reality" of the fight against terrorism.
Head of EU diplomacy Kaja Kallas announced that 80% of the European Union's initiative to provide Ukraine with two million artillery shells this year has already been secured by commitments. This initiative involves allocating 5 billion euros for the stated goal.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha will visit Brussels on June 23 to participate in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting. He will brief on the situation on the battlefield, Ukraine's needs, and discuss sanctions against the aggressor.
European diplomats called on Iran to continue nuclear talks with the United States, despite Israeli strikes. They stressed that regional escalation is dangerous and Iran is not allowed to have nuclear weapons.
The head of the EU's foreign policy, Kaja Kallas, warned of a direct threat from the Kremlin through cyberattacks, sabotage, and military maneuvers. Russia spends more on defense than all EU countries combined, which indicates preparation for long-term aggression.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, stated that if Europe does not strengthen its aid to Ukraine, Europeans will have to learn Russian. She emphasized that Ukraine is Europe's shield, and support is necessary for the security of both Ukraine and the EU itself.
The European Commission is proposing measures to accelerate investment and production in defense. This should make the EU more prepared for security challenges and reduce bureaucracy.
Sybiha met with his EU counterpart Kaja Kallas in Rome. They discussed news from the war front, peace efforts of Ukraine and the West, as well as Kyiv's urgent needs against the background of a full-scale war. Ukraine thanked the EU for its continued support.
Ukraine managed to influence the content of the new, 18th package of anti-Russian sanctions of the EU, which includes restrictions on the import of petroleum products and increased pressure on the "shadow fleet". It may become the strongest in a year, but it is still not effective enough to bleed the aggressor country.
The EU proposes an 18th package of sanctions against Russia, which includes a ban on transactions for "Nord Stream — 1,2", adding 77 shadow fleet vessels to the list, and reducing the price of oil to $45.
The European Union has proposed an 18th package of sanctions against Russia, which includes lowering the oil price ceiling to $45 per barrel and measures against Russia's "shadow fleet".
NATO defense ministers discussed support for Ukraine and the allocation of 25 billion euros in additional security assistance. Support was also given to assistance proposals announced at the "Ramstein" meeting.
EU's chief diplomat Kaja Kallas stated that the threat from Russia and China is the biggest challenge of our time. European leaders are calling for closer cooperation to preserve order.