Key facts
- EU ambassadors are meeting in Brussels to discuss new sanctions against Russia and trade with Israeli settlements.
- Greece is blocking the latest round of EU sanctions against Russia due to opposition to a ban on Russian LNG transport.
- The EU is considering three options to restrict trade with Israeli settlements, with a full ban receiving significant support.
- Germany and the Czech Republic are opposing a full trade ban with Israeli settlements.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed his top general, Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Brussels is facing a double deadlock as EU ambassadors prepare to discuss two critical and contentious issues: a proposed 21st sanctions package against Russia and the potential for EU trade restrictions with Israeli settlements.
The Russian sanctions package is currently stalled due to opposition from Greece, which hosts the world's largest merchant fleet. Athens is seeking to revise the legal text of the sanctions to allow the transport of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to continue past the cut-off date of 2027. This ban is a key part of the measures aimed at depriving Russia of profits during the ongoing war. The main beneficiary of the potential exemption would be Dynagas, a company owned by Greek billionaire George Prokopiou, which has chartered vessels to Russia's Yamal LNG facility.
Simultaneously, EU ambassadors are set to address the issue of trade with Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, which are considered illegal under international law and by the EU. The European Commission has presented three options for cracking down on this trade, with a full ban reportedly receiving the most support. However, Germany, a major European power, is advocating for a more cautious approach due to its alliance with Israel, and the Czech Republic also opposes the trade ban. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a German national, has stated that the decision rests with the EU member states.
Adding to the complexity, EU ambassadors are expected to go on holiday soon, increasing the pressure to resolve these issues. The oil price cap mechanism, another key part of the sanctions package, has already been delayed, potentially endangering its effectiveness.
In parallel, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed his top general, Oleksandr Syrskyi, amid mounting protests. A new commander-in-chief, Mykhailo Drapatyi, has been appointed. The dismissal of the defense minister remains a demand of protesters.
Meanwhile, EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas will be attending the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Manila, where Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will also be present. France has also enacted a ban on social media for children under 15.