European Union tries to agree new Russia sanctions despite some member states disagreeing

EU diplomats are meeting in Brussels today to try and agree on the 21st package of sanctions against Russia. However, some member countries are not happy, and previous attempts to finalise these new rules have failed.

Lithuania’s ambassador to the EU noted a growing tiredness with sanctions. Some countries are concerned that the proposed measures might harm European economies more than Russia’s. Because of this, some ideas have already been dropped, like restricting Russia’s fishing industry or banning Russian soldiers from entering Europe. Greece is also still against proposed rules about Russian energy supplies.

The EU is trying to agree on these sanctions before their summer break. It is not certain if they will reach an agreement today. Meanwhile, Ukraine has continued to carry out strikes inside Russia, hitting warehouses belonging to Wildberries, a large online retailer. Eight people were reportedly injured in these overnight attacks.

In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made changes to the military leadership. He fired the commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, and has appointed General Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new head of Ukraine’s armed forces. This decision comes after recent protests calling for Syrskyi’s removal. Zelenskyy also stated that Ukraine is continuing its counteroffensive actions and has been tasked with intensifying operations in all areas.

The new army chief, Mykhailo Drapatyi, explained that the president has set clear goals, including continuing and increasing offensive operations. They also plan to conduct new operations behind enemy lines, develop military technology, and strengthen the capabilities of Ukraine’s Armed Forces.

Elsewhere in Europe, other news includes firefighters battling wildfires in Spain and France. The continent is experiencing hotter temperatures, which scientists say are made worse by climate change. In the western Balkans, the danger has shifted from heatwaves to hailstorms, causing injuries in North Macedonia and eastern Kosovo. In Italy, Morocco’s foreign ministry is concerned about the death of a Moroccan national during a police arrest in Bologna and is asking for a full investigation.