The European Union (EU) and the United States under President Donald Trump are at odds over how to handle Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. While the EU pushes for tougher sanctions to pressure Russia into a ceasefire, Trump’s reluctance to follow suit has exposed a transatlantic rift.
EU’s Push for Sanctions: A Unified Front?
On May 20, 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the preparation of an 18th sanctions package against Russia, targeting its banking sector, Nord Stream pipelines, and the “shadow fleet” of vessels. The EU aims to tighten the existing G7 price cap on Russian crude oil, set at $60 per barrel since late 2022, to further squeeze Moscow’s revenues. Von der Leyen emphasized the need to “intensify pressure” to secure a 30-day unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, a stance echoed by High Representative Kaja Kallas, who admitted unanimous agreement among EU member states would be “difficult” but necessary.
However, Hungary’s opposition poses a significant hurdle. Without U.S. support, lowering the oil price cap—a G7 joint measure—becomes nearly impossible, as noted by the Commission’s chief spokesperson, Paula Pinho. This lack of coordination with Washington threatens to derail the EU’s strategy.
Trump’s Approach: Diplomacy Over Sanctions
Following a two-hour phone call with Vladimir Putin on May 19, 2025, Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine should “immediately start negotiations toward a ceasefire.” He advocated for terms to be negotiated directly between the two parties, stating on social media, “Let the process begin!” Putin responded cautiously, agreeing to work on a “memorandum” for a ceasefire but only if “appropriate agreements” are reached.
Trump’s refusal to impose new sanctions has drawn criticism from the EU. He told reporters, “I think there’s a chance of getting something done, and if you do that, you could also make it much worse.” This stance contrasts sharply with earlier White House threats to tighten economic measures on Russia. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, on May 18, 2025, criticized the Biden administration’s sanctions as “ineffective,” citing concerns over domestic oil prices—a concern that appears to linger in Trump’s administration.
The Transatlantic Divide: Key Points of Contention
Sanctions Strategy
The EU sees sanctions as a critical tool to force Russia into a ceasefire. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed after a call with Trump that “Europe will increase pressure on Moscow through sanctions.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, also on the call, insisted that “if the Russians are not ready to stop the killings, there must be stronger sanctions.” In contrast, Trump’s focus on dialogue over punitive measures has frustrated EU leaders, with Kallas noting a lack of “pressure on Russia from these talks.”
Economic Relations with Russia
Trump envisions a future of resumed economic ties with Russia, stating, “There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth.” This vision clashes with the EU’s position that sanctions will only be lifted after Russia withdraws from Ukraine and a lasting peace is achieved. The EU also plans to use Russia’s frozen assets (€210 billion) for war reparations, a move Trump has not endorsed.
Energy Dependence
The EU is committed to phasing out Russian energy imports by 2027, a significant step to reduce Moscow’s leverage. Trump’s openness to economic engagement with Russia undermines this strategy, potentially encouraging Moscow to delay peace talks in hopes of better terms from the U.S.
Challenges Within the EU
Hungary’s opposition to the new sanctions package highlights internal divisions within the EU. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has consistently blocked measures against Russia, often citing energy dependencies. This lack of unanimity weakens the EU’s position, especially as it seeks U.S. cooperation to enforce measures like the oil price cap. Posts on X reflect frustration, with users noting that “Hungary’s veto power is stalling EU efforts to hold Russia accountable.”
Global Context: Ukraine and Beyond
The war in Ukraine has killed over 50,000 civilians since February 2022, according to UN estimates, with millions displaced. Zelenskyy has welcomed the EU’s sanctions push, aligning with Nordic and Baltic states that advocate for harsher measures. Meanwhile, Trump’s call for a ceasefire has been rebuffed by Putin, who continues to prioritize conditional terms, stalling progress.
Recent X posts highlight global skepticism about Trump’s approach, with some users calling it “naive” and others praising the EU for taking a “stronger moral stance.” A May 2025 report by the International Energy Agency notes that Russia’s oil revenues have dropped by 15% since the G7 price cap, but Moscow’s ability to trade above the cap through its shadow fleet underscores the need for tighter enforcement—something the EU cannot achieve without U.S. support.
Why the EU Disagrees with Trump
The EU’s disagreement with Trump boils down to:
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Differing Priorities: The EU prioritizes immediate pressure on Russia to secure a ceasefire, while Trump focuses on dialogue, avoiding sanctions to encourage negotiations.
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Strategic Goals: The EU aims for a long-term reduction of Russian influence, including energy independence, whereas Trump eyes future economic ties with Moscow.
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Practical Challenges: Without U.S. support, key EU measures like the oil price cap adjustment are unfeasible, exacerbating frustrations.
Bridging the Gap
The EU and Trump’s administration must find common ground to address the Ukraine crisis effectively. The EU should continue engaging the U.S. to align on sanctions, while Trump could leverage his diplomatic efforts to push Putin toward a genuine ceasefire. Without coordination, the transatlantic divide risks prolonging the war, undermining global stability. As the EU prepares its 18th sanctions package, the world watches to see if unity can prevail over discord.
