The 18th package of European Union sanctions against Russia is being blocked not only by Slovakia but also by Hungary.

The European Union believes that Slovakia, which has publicly opposed the adoption of the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia, will change its position in the near future.

Hungary and Slovakia have refused to approve the European Union’s new 18th sanctions package against Russia until the European Council meeting, where EU leaders are expected to discuss further sanctions pressure on the Kremlin.

At the European Council summit on 26–27 June, EU leaders plan to approve a document with strong messages supporting Ukraine’s progress in EU accession negotiations, particularly its readiness to open negotiation clusters.

The European Commission has proposed including additional measures against Belarus and sanctions targeting software used by Russian banks in the draft of the EU’s 18th sanctions package against Russia.

The European Union will not unilaterally reduce the price cap on Russian oil from US$60 to US$45 per barrel, as this initiative is unlikely to be supported by the Group of Seven (G7).

The EU Justice and Home Affairs Council in Luxembourg adopted a political decision on 13 June to extend the Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainians until 4 March 2027 and discussed recommendations for action after the temporary protection expires.

A meeting of the European Council on 26–27 June, with participation from the leaders of all 27 EU member states, will address the peace process in Ukraine and the accession path of both Ukraine and Moldova to the European Union.

The European Commission will discuss with Slovakia its concerns about potential challenges associated with the cessation of Russian energy supplies to the EU to ensure a unanimous vote by all EU member states for the 18th package of sanctions against Russia.

The European Commission has proposed its 18th sanctions package against Moscow, primarily targeting Russia’s energy and banking sectors while tightening export bans and anti-circumvention measures

Russia is building up its military capabilities and will be ready to use military force against NATO states within five years.

The United States’ decision to relinquish leadership of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in the Ramstein format to the United Kingdom and Germany was planned from the outset of the new US administration.

Sweden has allocated €50 million to NATO projects, including the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) and the Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP), focused on training Ukrainian military personnel and providing support for Ukraine.

The Netherlands will provide Ukraine with a large military aid package in the field of maritime security, including ships, boats and naval drones, worth a total of €400 million.