Perspective – Written by Ruslan Bortnik
As Europe sharpens its sanctions blade, who truly wields it? The EU’s latest Russia sanctions package—its most far-reaching yet—signals a desperate bid to restore strategic coherence amid war fatigue and wavering public support. The UK is in lockstep, expanding its own blacklist and tightening financial nooses. But behind the scenes, Washington’s silent pause speaks volumes. With President Trump holding back direct moves, Brussels and London act as surrogate enforcers of U.S. pressure—yet remain shut out of the ultimate decision-making. Caught between Russian defiance and American strategy, Europe risks overextending itself without a clear exit plan. Sanctions escalate, but leadership—and direction—remains elusive.
The full analysis is available here.