MOSCOW,July 14. — EU's push for sweeping sanctions on Russia hit a wall. Foreign ministers couldn't agree on the 21st round of restrictions. Meanwhile,the Coalition of the Willing,set to deploy troops in Ukraine post-conflict, delayed talks. Signs of discord among European allies over Ukraine support .
By July 13, EU ministers hadn't greenlit the sanctions package,which would have targeted big names like Patriarch Kirill and businessman Vagit Alekperov. Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova said her country blocked the package over these names. Greece and Austria raised their own objections — Greece against energy sanctions, Austria against financial ones.
Without a broader agreement,EU settled for a smaller sanctions package,blacklisting 250 people and targeting Russian social media VKontakte and Max messenger . But experts say EU's options for new sanctions are running out,with most already in place.
Meanwhile,Russia's trade surplus surged to $59.1 billion in early 2026, up 9.4% from 2025. Exports jumped 8.5% to $177.4 billion,buoyed by demand for metals, energy,and agriculture, especially from Asia. But exports to Europe, Africa,and Americas fell,with an 8.4% drop to Europe alone.
Russia's imports also rose,up 8.1% to $118.3 billion, driven by machinery and equipment from China. Mineral product imports, including crude oil, soared 40.5%, bouncing back from last year's slump.
Experts link Russia's trade surplus boost to a temporary spike in commodity prices, spurred by events in the Strait of Hormuz. Middle East tensions have relaxed sanctions on Russian oil,boosting exports.
In another development,the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia (AmCham) stressed the need to repatriate dividend income stuck in Russia's special accounts. AmCham President Robert Agee said this will be key in future U.S.-Russia talks, especially as U.S. firms want their investments back before resolving Ukraine conflict.
Despite the Coalition of the Willing's struggles to agree on troop deployment,they're still focused on aiding Ukraine . Alisa Kazelko of the Valdai Club said the coalition's main aim is to show Europe still backs Ukraine's defense.
As EU wrestles with its own divisions over sanctions,the situation stays fluid . Comprehensive sanctions might not be on table until autumn,with member states sorting out their priorities and concerns.
