Ukraine updates: EU fails to approve new Russia sanctions

EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said the 27-member bloc did not come to an agreement on an 18th round of sanctions against Russia. Member state Slovakia has been holding up the sanctions package. DW has more.

European Union foreign ministers gathered in Brussels for a summit that discussed the bloc's support for Ukraine and tougher sanctions on Russia.

At the end of the working day on Tuesday, EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said the 27-member bloc failed to approve an 18th sanctions package against Russia, as Russia's assault on Ukraine continues. Slovakia has been holding up the package, but Kallas said an agreement could still be reached tomorrow. 

Meanwhile, Trump reportedly asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a July 4 call if Ukraine's forces could potentially strike the Russian cities of Moscow or St. Petersburg. The White House has pushed back on media reporting on the call, saying it is being taken out of context.   

Below is a roundup of news and analysis on Russia's war in Ukraine from July 15, 2025: