Shortly after the office of Friedrich, Merz celebrated his first success in foreign policy. Together with Emmanuel Macron, Donald Tusk and Keir Starmer, they managed to create an alliance with Donald Trump – or at least it seemed. Europeans and the US president have determined that if Putin does not agree to the unconditional suspension of weapons, “massive sanctions” await him.
However, the Russian dictator did not care. And no consequences met him. After fruitless negotiations in Istanbul and a telephone conversation between Trump and Putin from the White House, there is nothing about further sanctions.
Europe will therefore put hopes in the US Senate. There are discussions on a strict act regarding secondary sanctions. Brussels hopes that in the shadow of American sanctions she will be able to realize her own threat to Moscow.
High rate
When EU foreign ministers met in Brussels on Tuesday, May 20, everyone emphasized that Russia must now reckon with the consequences of non -compliance with the ultimatum. The head of EU diplomacy Kaja Kallas also tried to remind the US about their promise, but not mentioning them by name: – We all agreed and said that if they did not agree to an unconditional suspension of weapons, decisive actions would be taken.
The rate is high for Europe. First of all, it is about the credibility of the alliance. On the same day, the 17th packet of sanctions was adopted, but it was a step prepared for a long time, which cannot be called “massive”. It is directed against the Russian “shadow fleet”, i.e. old ships of vague property that transport Russian oil, bypassing sanctions. The effect of the package will probably be small, because in order to cause real damage, the “shadow fleet” would have to be covered by sanctions by the countries importing Russian oil, i.e. China and India.
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In Brussels, therefore, he is discussing a new, really severe packet of sanctions. Penalted measures to the Russian energy sector, confiscation of frozen billions and a reduction in oil price limit are being considered.
There is a good chance that you can take joint action with Washington. As “Die Welt” previously informed, citing Brussels diplomats, the EU now binds specific hopes for the draft influential of the Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. This traditional supporter of hard policy towards Russia has developed a package of funds that provides for criminal duties in the amount of 500 percent. For all countries buying Russian oil and gas.
In an interview with “Die Welt”, the Republican signaled openness to coordinating activities with Europe. – I talked to Ursula von der Leyen. I want to coordinate it with her – said Graham. The chairwoman of the committee will certainly be pleased to this message. On the one hand, because, together with Washington, one could achieve a greater effect. But also because it would reduce the risk that countries such as Hungary dare to block new sanctions.
Beijing pressure
Graham, however, made it clear that coordination does not only mean agreeing for him. He wants Europe to adapt to its catalog of postulates. “I said Ursula that we would not find a solution to this problem if we do not deal with China,” said the senator. In his opinion, the bead should be increased to Beijing, “to stop feeding Putin's war machine.” “I hope Europe will connect,” he added.
According to the Think Tanku Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (Crea) analysis, only in January China bought oil, gas and coal from Moscow worth about $ 5.9 billion. (over PLN 22 billion). This puts Brussels in a difficult situation. Can the EU afford to spoil relations with Beijing during the trade war with Trump?
Washington is now expecting a statement from Moscow on what conditions Russia is ready to include a truce. He announced this on Tuesday, May 20 in Congress Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “If it turns out that Putin is still sticking to his maximum demands, it will be known that he is not serious about peace,” Graham said. “Then we will take action,” said the senator strongly.
Alex Wroblewski / AFP / AFP
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Senator Lindsey Graham, Washington, May 20, 2025.
The fate of his law is actually uncertain. The White House is currently against exacerbation of sanctions. Trump “wants to keep the possibility of influencing both sides as long as possible,” said Rubio Secretary of State, adding that at the time of sanction, one of the parties to the conflict is lost. Added to this is the fact that the focus of the law on China would destroy all the efforts to de -escalate the trade war. And this at a time when large supermarket chains, such as Walmart, have announced the need to increase prices due to duties imposed on China.
Therefore, it is doubtful whether the long list of supporters of the Sanction Package, which Graham has accumulated so far, will remain faithful to him if Trump does not support the law. Democrats, such as Senator Dick Durbin from Illinois or Chris Coons from Connecticut, said in an interview with “Die Welt” that they want to push through the act regardless of Trump. “We should accept her now,” said Durbin.
However, when asked about this issue, Magician supporters give evasive answers. “We always work with the president,” said Markwayne Mullin from Oklahoma in an interview with “Die Welt”. Also Katie Britt, a senator of Alabama, emphasized that it was “supporting President Trump in peace and ending.”
Ultimately, John Thune, a leader of the majority in the Senate, will have a decisive voice. He determines the order of the Senate. He announced that the package would be subjected to the vote only “if the White House wants it”.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
