The Monocle Daily The EU proposes new sanctions on Russia. Will the 18th package work?
Jun 10, 2025
Quentin Peel, a seasoned Monocle radio contributor, joins Lynn O'Donnell, a writer and Afghanistan bureau chief for AP and AFP, to discuss the EU's tough new sanctions on Russia. They dive into the historical context and complexities of these sanctions, questioning if they can indeed pressure Russia to end its war in Ukraine. The conversation also touches on the unintended consequences of sanctions, the role of U.S. support for Ukraine, and the intricate balance of international politics in this ongoing crisis.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Limits of EU Sanctions on Russia
- Sanctions have symbolic value but struggle when key buyers like China and India continue trade.
- Slovakia and Hungary's dependency on Russian oil complicates unified EU sanction efforts.
Shadow Fleet Sanction Challenges
- Russia's shadow fleet thrives due to a lack of international enforcement and continued demand.
- NATO's naval presence deters intervention since action could escalate to war with Russia.
Key Sanction Still Untapped
- Seizing the Russian central bank’s assets is a critical sanction yet to be fully implemented.
- EU hesitates on this step, fearing it may be too severe and politically complex.