Is the EU ready to confront key trading partners to impose tougher pressure on Russia – or will it continue walking the fine line, protecting its economic priorities?
In a conversation with Alexandra Brzozowski, Brussels-based correspondent covering the EU and NATO, Lesia Ogryzko, head of the Sahaidachnyi Security Center, notes that the EU is unlikely to adopt the same hardline approach as the U.S. regarding secondary sanctions on third countries, including India.
“European governments will likely support U.S. policy but will still safeguard their own economic priorities – as they have throughout the war,” she emphasizes.
Lesia Ogryzko points out that Washington’s pressure on India is driven primarily by stalled bilateral trade talks, unlike with the EU or China, where dialogue is progressing.
“This is why the Trump administration has linked India’s imports of Russian energy to the broader peace agenda between Russia and Ukraine, using it as a strategic lever against Moscow,” the expert explains.
According to L.Ogryzko, Brussels maintains strong relations with Washington through flexible arrangements—from bilateral tariff deals to purchasing American weapons for Ukraine. This allows the EU to avoid directly duplicating U.S. sanctions, particularly against India or China.
The full Kyiv Independent article examines not only the EU’s position on the new sanctions package and its reaction to Donald Trump’s threats but also whether Europe itself could come under Washington’s scrutiny.
Read the full article here.