Sanctions

EU gears up for fight with Russian energy holdouts
Brussels will soon tell Hungary and Slovakia to stop dealing with Moscow — whether they like it or not. But the EU’s enforcement plan is fuzzier.

EU to propose blanket ban on Russian gas

Macron to meet al-Sharaa in Syrian leader’s first trip to Europe

Europe’s final plan to quit Russian energy: Enlist wary execs

Poland’s Duda tells Trump to force Putin ‘to make peace’

Orbán’s man in Brussels stalls Russian energy exit plan

Beijing wooed Belgian socialist to spy on China-hawkish MP: reports
China to lift sanctions on EU lawmakers to unlock trade talks
Donald Trump’s trade war is pushing China and the EU closer together despite their differences.
Notorious Russian hackers behind 2017 ‘Macron leaks,’ France says
Paris accused Russia’s Fancy Bear group of conducting cyberattacks on the French president’s campaign team.
Ukraine hit by new Russian drone attack after Trump-Zelenskyy meeting
Sunday’s assault came after Trump cast fresh doubt on Putin’s willingness to end the war.
Trump says he’s got his ‘own deadline’ for Ukraine talks as tensions flare
The president, meeting with Norwegian leaders, is pressuring Kyiv and Moscow to make peace, but not equally.
German coalition member backs US easing Nord Stream sanctions in Russia peace talks
A move by the White House to grant a reprieve to Russian energy divides Berlin’s incoming government.
UK lifts sanctions on Syria’s defense ministry
Downing Street said the move would promote regional stability and “encourage the return of Syrian refugees.”
White House debates lifting sanctions on Russian energy assets, Nord Stream
The debate pits Steve Witkoff against State Department and U.S. energy export proponents.
UK bans export of ‘killer’ video games controllers to Russia
Clampdown comes amid 150 new trade sanctions against Russia.
Moscow blocks 21 UK politicians from entering Russia
Targeted MPs take the travel ban as a ‘compliment’ and say it shows their Ukraine advocacy ‘got under Putin’s skin.’
EU to float ban on new Russian energy contracts
The idea will be one of several options Brussels will suggest in May to sever Russian energy links.
Russia’s effort to get US to drop aviation sanctions hits EU resistance
Brussels is also worried about the risks to air safety posed by fake and uncertified parts installed in Russian planes.
Europe jittery ahead of Meloni’s visit with Trump
Italy’s leader wouldn’t be the EU’s first choice to negotiate with Trump. But she might be its only choice.
US lifts sanctions against key Orbán ally accused of corruption
Penalties against Antal Rogan were “inconsistent with U.S. foreign policy interests,” says a spokesperson for top American diplomat Marco Rubio.
How a billionaire Russian ‘sugar daddy’ took over an iconic Olympic sport
Sanctioned tycoon Alisher Usmanov parries Western efforts to oust him from shadow leadership role in world fencing.
EU countries push to Orbán-proof Russia sanctions
Hungary’s veto power could become meaningless under plans being drawn up by a group of capitals.
Estonia seizes Russian shadow tanker in Baltic Sea
The ghost vessel was “quite clearly” part of Moscow’s dark fleet, says one official.
EU must condemn Hungary for ICC exit, Palestinian Oscar-winning director says
Filmmaker Basel Adra also says Brussels should impose fresh sanctions on Israeli settlers violating international law.
Trump says US starting direct talks with Iran
U.S. and Israel insist Tehran can’t obtain nuclear weapons.
‘I hope he’s right’: Markets tumble on tariffs — but Trump isn’t flinching
Americans watched in horror as their 401(k)s plunged Thursday morning after the markets opened.
Turmoil churns below the surface as Rubio meets NATO allies
Trump’s envoy Marco Rubio faces European NATO allies amid tension over Greenland, Ukraine and the future of the alliance.
The time has come to punish Orbán, Germany’s next government says
Friedrich Merz’s incoming coalition wants to press the EU to look at withholding funds and suspending voting rights from Hungary, according to a document seen by POLITICO.
‘Pissed off’ at Putin, Trump threatens Russian oil tariffs
In NBC interview, U.S. president threatens to blacklist companies trading with Russia if the Kremlin doesn’t agree to a Ukraine ceasefire.
Putin is playing games with you, Starmer and Macron warn Trump
European leaders distance themselves from U.S. attempts to relax sanctions on Russia, saying Putin is up to his old tricks.
European Council chief: No backing down on Russia sanctions
EU leaders aim to find a collective response to U.S.’s intention to ease sanctions on Moscow as an incentive to stop fighting Ukraine.