EU Fails to Approve 18th Russia Sanctions Package Amid Slovakia Energy Concerns

The European Union has struggled to approve its 18th sanctions package against Russia due to objections from Slovakia, which fears the impact on its energy security and economy given its heavy reliance on Russian gas. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico recently lifted the blockade, but Hungary's approval is still required for the package to pass. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas expressed disappointment over the failure to approve the sanctions and called on the United States to share the burden of supplying arms to Ukraine, referencing President Donald Trump's proposal for European allies to purchase American military equipment for transfer to Ukraine. President Trump, now in his second term, has shifted from attempting to appease Vladimir Putin to supporting Ukraine militarily and threatening tariffs on Russia if no agreement is reached within 50 days, demonstrating frustration with the ongoing conflict. Despite Trump's unpredictability, Putin is seen as playing a long-term strategic game, outlasting American presidents, and continuing to exert influence amid the war. Ukraine appears to be benefiting from increased Western support, even as EU internal disagreements delay further sanctions on Russia.