Europe pushes tougher line on Russia in growing split with Trump
EU leaders are calling for new measures against Moscow as Washington eases off, exposing a widening divide over how to end the war in Ukraine.
European leaders are set to demand stricter sanctions against Russia at a summit on Thursday, creating a rift with U.S. President Donald Trump. This comes just days after Trump reached an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to ease restrictions on Russian diesel exports. EU leaders are planning to call for additional sanctions targeting Moscow’s oil revenues, disputing Trump's claim of an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the need for stronger sanctions, arguing that Russia is not willing to deescalate and that further pressure is necessary. The European Commission is preparing a package of sectoral sanctions, while Britain and Norway have pledged to increase pressure on Moscow.
Trump's decision is reportedly driven by domestic political motives ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, with fuel prices soaring due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and the U.S. However, EU officials doubt the deal will significantly impact U.S. fuel prices and question Putin's commitment to the purported energy ceasefire.
The dispute has also prompted calls for Washington to enforce existing sanctions against Russia, with some Republicans supporting the implementation of the Russia sanctions bill signed by Trump recently.
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