EU tries to agree on new Russia sanctions despite disagreements

Diplomats are meeting to try and agree on new rules against Russia after earlier talks failed.

Published 22 July 2026 175 words
WORLD A2
EU tries to agree on new Russia sanctions despite disagreements

European Union (EU) diplomats are meeting in Brussels to agree on the 21st set of rules to punish Russia. Some countries disagree with the proposed rules, which are meant to put more pressure on Russia. One big disagreement is about banning the transport of Russian oil. Greece is stopping this ban because it will hurt a large shipping company it owns.

Other proposed rules include banning Russian soldiers from entering the EU, but France and Italy are against this. A ban on Russian cod has already been removed. Some people think the EU's plan to use sanctions is not working as well as it used to.

Ukraine believes the EU can do more to pressure Russia. Ukraine is also continuing its own attacks inside Russia, hitting warehouses and supply points. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said they are bringing the war back to Russia. He also recently changed the heads of Ukraine's army.

Vocabulary

sanctions — Rules or actions to punish a country, often by limiting trade.
disagree — To not have the same opinion as someone else.
transport — To move goods or people from one place to another.
pressure — To try hard to influence someone or something.
propose — To suggest an idea or plan.
regulations — Official rules made by a government or other authority.

Discussion Questions

  1. What is the European Union trying to do regarding Russia?
  2. Why are some countries disagreeing with the new rules for Russia?
  3. What is Ukraine doing to pressure Russia?

Based on an article from The Guardian.

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