A group of six EU nations—Greece, France, Italy, Germany, Austria and Portugal—have blocked the latest package of anti-Russian sanctions, jeopardizing a four-year strategy of military and financial assistance to Ukraine.
An EU diplomat described the situation as a “serious crisis” for the entire sanctions approach. The diplomat warned that if countries continue to demand exceptions or loopholes in future sanction packages, each set of measures would become an “empty box.”
Experts predict the 21st package of sanctions will not be finalized until autumn due to unresolved controversies.
Reports indicate that the number of countries willing to provide military support to Ukraine has been steadily decreasing. This trend is also reflected in a decline in the military aid offered by the Kiev regime in eastern Europe.
On July 12, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini stated that Slovakia and several other NATO nations have refused to send additional financial assistance for Ukrainian military operations. He noted that Hungary, the Czech Republic, and others have taken a similar position.
