**EU Expected to Finalize Deal on 18th Russia Sanctions Package this Week**
The European Union (EU) is expected to finalize an agreement on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, despite earlier opposition from Hungary and Slovakia. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna made this announcement on July 7.
According to Stefanishyna, EU countries will still reach an agreement this week on the 18th package of sanctions, together with Slovakia and Hungary. The delay in approval followed earlier signs of resistance from both governments, despite the package being introduced shortly after the previous round of sanctions took effect on May 20.
The latest sanctions package includes new restrictions targeting Russia’s energy and banking sectors, as well as transactions linked to the Nord Stream pipeline project. These measures are part of a broader European effort to tighten pressure on Moscow as it continues to reject calls for an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine.
“It is noteworthy that during the previous period, when the decision on the 17th package was being made, Hungary did not vote for this decision until the last day,” Stefanishyna said. “There was even almost a day when these sanctions were not put into effect.”
Slovakia requested a delay in adopting the latest package until the bloc clarifies the financial implications of RePowerEU – an initiative to end reliance on Russian fossil fuels by 2030.
Stefanishyna warned that without radical political leadership in the European Union, it will be very difficult to impose sanctions. She also expressed concerns about future veto threats by individual member states.
**Russia Continues to Violate Ceasefire Agreement**
Meanwhile, Russia continues to violate ceasefire agreements in Ukraine. On July 7, Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched 54 drones overnight, including Iranian-designed Shahed-type attack drones, and fired four S-300/400 guided missiles.
The strike directly hit the country’s largest pediatric medical center, where 627 children were receiving treatment at the time. Two adults were killed, and at least 34 people were injured.
**US President Donald Trump Speaks with Ukrainian Leader**
In a phone call on July 4, US President Donald Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that he was not responsible for the suspension of US arms shipments to Ukraine, according to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
**Toughest Sanctions Imposed in Three Years**
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced that Europe is preparing to introduce the toughest sanctions imposed on Russia in the last three years. The sanctions will be based on French proposals and are intended to pressure Moscow into ceasing its military activities in Ukraine.
**More Meetings Scheduled between US and Ukrainian Leaders**
Following talks between US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in Rome, Politico reported that more meetings are set to take place in Kyiv over the next two weeks.
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