**EU Sanctions Against Russia: Too Little, Too Late?**
The European Union’s 17th package of sanctions against Russia has been hailed in Brussels as a symbol of steady resolve. However, critics outside the EU bubble see it as another incremental move that fails to match the urgency of the moment.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the move, insisting it would “keep the pressure high on the Kremlin.” But even EU officials acknowledge that the package was watered down during negotiations.
**A Watered-Down Package**
The new sanctions package includes a significant expansion of the shadow fleet blacklist and dozens of new names on the sanctions list. However, critics point out that these additions are minor compared to what is needed to truly cripple Russia’s ability to wage war.
“This package is not as strong as it should be,” said Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian lawmaker. “My guess is that the EU is waiting to see whether or not Putin will start negotiating seriously on a ceasefire.”
**Energy Imports Remain a Major Issue**
One of the biggest elephants in the room remains energy imports from Russia. The EU has announced a roadmap to end its dependency on Russian energy by 2027, but this comes years after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“The termination of Russian imports to Europe should have been done earlier and with a tighter time schedule,” said Pekka Toveri, a European parliament member. “The delay has had huge costs — billions continue to flow into Kremlin coffers thanks to residual energy imports.”
**Hungary and Slovakia Block Broader Action**
The EU’s structure, which requires unanimity on sanctions, means that any one country can block broader action. Hungary and Slovakia, the bloc’s only pro-Kremlin countries, remain openly resistant to full energy embargoes.
“Targeting Russian energy imports is difficult,” said Toveri. “Hungary and Slovakia would likely block decisions.”
**A Cynical Moment in Russia’s Diplomatic Playbook**
The 17th package arrives at a particularly cynical moment in Russia’s diplomatic playbook, with the Kremlin outwardly engaging in stalling peace negotiations while its military operations intensify.
“This context demands a bolder EU response,” said Toveri. “Sanctions should be so heavy that they would force Russia to shut down its aggression, or face total economic ruin.”
**The Real Question: Is it Moving Fast Enough?**
As Ukraine braces for a brutal summer and Russia doubles down on its offensive, time is not on the EU’s side. If the goal is to cripple Russia’s ability to wage war, the sanctions must match the scale of the threat.
The 17th package may be another step forward, but in Kyiv, the view is clearer — it’s still too little, too late.
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