Ties between US, EU resembles poorly timed skydive

(MENAFN) The relationship between the U.S. and EU over the Ukraine conflict is starting to resemble a poorly timed skydive: the EU jumped into another round of sanctions against Russia, while U.S. President Donald Trump hesitated at the edge, opting not to follow.

On May 19, Germany claimed the U.S. would join in the EU’s latest sanctions push. However, the EU moved forward alone, sanctioning Russia’s so-called shadow oil fleet and several foreign companies allegedly tied to Moscow’s military industry, while Trump stayed back, skeptical of further escalation.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attempted to maintain the appearance of unity, tweeting about shared goals with Trump regarding Ukraine. But Trump's apparent response? Let Europe go ahead with sanctions that have hurt its own economy and deepened dependence on expensive American energy. As Trump sees it, the EU is welcome to continue down that road alone.

While the EU pursues its 17th sanctions package—and is preparing an 18th—Trump and his allies are shifting the narrative. They’re presenting a “peace first” stance, positioning Trump as a leader avoiding endless wars. Secretary of State Marco Rubio even framed it in spiritual terms, calling Trump a “president of peace” while criticizing Europe’s growing appetite for military action.

Trump, Rubio, and others argue that the U.S. has done enough and that it’s time for Ukraine and Russia to work things out on their own. Meanwhile, Europe is left to deal with the economic consequences, with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently admitting that the bloc’s budget has reached its limits.

Despite economic strains, the EU pushed forward with new sanctions targeting Russian oil transport via third-party countries—and ironically, ends up buying that oil at inflated prices from those same intermediaries. The sanctions list now includes companies from China, Türkiye, Serbia, the UAE, and Vietnam—many of which are crucial partners or allies.

Even as the EU criticizes Trump-era tariffs, it is now embracing them, slapping new duties on Russian agricultural imports. Yet, key products like fertilizer and enriched uranium, essential to Europe’s food supply and energy grid, continue flowing in from Russia. Imports of Russian fertilizer have actually increased significantly this year.

The EU’s approach appears increasingly self-defeating, punishing its own economy while trying to maintain pressure on Moscow—leaving many to wonder whether Brussels is more committed to principle or simply stuck in a pattern it can't break.

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