Eu Expects Renew Russia Sanctions After Hungarian Hold Up 2025 01 27
ReutersFEB 4
EU Extends Russian Sanctions After Hungary Drops Objection
Above: EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas holds a press conference after the EU Foreign Ministers Meeting in Brussels, Belgium on Jan. 27, 2025. Image copyright: Dursun Aydemir/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The EU must extend and enforce sanctions on Russia to further undermine its war efforts and weaken its economy. Existing sanctions have already cut Russia's export revenues, but more needs to be done. Targeting key sectors like energy, finance, and technology is essential, as well as closing loopholes and ensuring strict enforcement. Continued pressure is crucial to supporting Ukraine and holding Russia accountable.
Pro-Russia narrative
Sanctions against Russia are counterproductive and harm global markets more than they weaken Russia. Despite EU restrictions, Russia has successfully redirected its liquefied petroleum gas exports to Central Asia and China, stabilizing its economy. Sanctions also provoke retaliatory measures, with Russia seizing Western assets in response. Rather than promoting peace, sanctions escalate tensions, disrupt trade, and damage the economies of both sides.