EU Summit: Ukraine Support Strengthened, Russia Sanctions Stalled, Trade Tensions with U.S. Rise

 EU Summit: Ukraine Support Strengthened, Russia Sanctions Stalled, Trade Tensions with U.S. Rise

At a summit in Brussels, European Union leaders reaffirmed strong military support for Ukraine but failed to advance new sanctions on Russia. The leaders emphasized the urgent need to deliver air defense systems, drones, and large-caliber ammunition to Ukraine, while also backing the development of Ukraine’s domestic defense industry. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the summit via videolink, urging continued aid as Ukraine defends against intensified Russian attacks along the 1,000-kilometer front line.

Although 26 of the 27 EU countries endorsed the statement on Ukraine, Hungary once again withheld support. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán also reiterated opposition to NATO involvement in Ukraine, citing the country’s nonmember status. Meanwhile, the EU continues work on another package of sanctions aimed at disrupting Russia’s shadow fleet of oil tankers, though progress remains slow.

The summit also addressed growing trade tensions with the United States. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reported that discussions with President Trump are ongoing to avoid new U.S. tariffs on European imports. Trump has threatened tariffs of up to 50 percent on EU goods, including automobiles and steel. In response, the EU is preparing a “rebalancing” list of potential retaliatory tariffs if no agreement is reached by the July 9 deadline.

French President Emmanuel Macron warned that while Europe is open to a deal, it will not accept unfavorable terms. The EU economy, heavily dependent on trade, is already operating under a modest 0.9 percent growth forecast for the year.

EU leaders also addressed the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, condemning the high civilian toll and urging Israel to lift its blockade. However, divisions within the bloc make any unified action against Israel unlikely, despite evidence of potential human rights violations.

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