Bulgaria plans to veto new EU sanctions on Russia, citing risks to its economy and questioning their impact on peace efforts, highlighting divisions within the EU on sanction policy.
The EU has agreed to extend sanctions on Russia to one year, reflecting a strategic shift enabled by political changes in Hungary and signaling intensified economic pressure on Moscow.
Ukraine imposes sanctions on 32 Russian firms and 34 individuals tied to Russia’s military industry, extending previous measures and targeting entities circumventing international restrictions.
Activists protested at the Russian pavilion of Venice Biennale demanding representation of political prisoners, igniting debate on cultural diplomacy amid geopolitical conflict.
Slovakia will block the EU's 20th sanctions package on Russia until oil supply via the Druzhba pipeline through Ukraine is restored, highlighting regional energy tensions.