Six killed in attacks on Ukraine as EU extends sanctions against Russians | Russia-Ukraine war News
EU Extends Sanctions on Russia Amid Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine
BRUSSELS — The European Union has renewed sanctions against individuals and entities supporting Russia’s military actions in Ukraine as the Russian offensive continues to strike Ukrainian energy infrastructure, resulting in casualties in recent attacks.
On Saturday, the EU Council confirmed that all 27 member states agreed to extend sanctions targeting approximately 2,600 individuals and entities. The measures, which include travel restrictions and asset freezes, are now set to last until September 15. This decision came after a prior deadlock involving Hungary and Slovakia, which had initially opposed the extension.
The sanctions were announced just one day after EU Council chief Antonio Costa criticized the United States for lifting restrictions on Russian oil exports. Costa expressed concerns that easing these sanctions could bolster Russia’s resources and further threaten European security amidst the ongoing conflict.
The latest round of Russian attacks on Saturday resulted in the deaths of five people and injuries to 15 in the Kyiv area, as reported by regional military administrator Mykola Kalashnyk. In Zaporizhzhia, Russian missile strikes killed one and injured three, according to regional governor Ivan Fedorov, who shared images of extensive destruction online.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that energy infrastructure in the Kyiv region remains a primary target for Russian assaults, noting that attacks were also carried out in Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Mykolaiv. Despite the barrage of about 430 drones and 68 missiles—most of which were intercepted by air defenses—Ukrainian forces continue to strike at Russian strategic infrastructure, including oil refineries in the Krasnodar region.
The conflict’s escalation comes at a time when international focus is increasingly drawn to tensions in the Middle East, particularly in Iran. On Saturday, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever suggested that the EU explore negotiating with Russia, indicating that current diplomatic pressures may be weakening.
With oil prices spiking due to the Middle Eastern conflict, De Wever stated, “Since we are not capable of threatening Putin by sending weapons to Ukraine, and we cannot choke him economically without the support of the United States, there is only one method left: making a deal.”
EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas has indicated that the bloc needs to establish a unified stance on its expectations from Russia before engaging in negotiations. However, recent discussions regarding the sanctions have highlighted existing divisions within the Union, particularly with Hungary and Slovakia raising concerns about the impact of these measures on their national interests.
Earlier this week, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban called for the suspension of EU sanctions on Russian energy in light of rising oil prices. President Zelenskyy warned that Russia might exploit distractions from the conflict in the Middle East to escalate its military actions in Ukraine.
