EU Capitals Demand Major Exemptions in New Russia Sanctions Package, Jeopardizing Bloc's Strategy

A coordinated push by several European Union member states, including Greece, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Portugal, is demanding significant carve-outs from a proposed new sanctions package against Russia. This resistance, particularly concerning Russian fish imports, visa relaxations, and asset thaws, is reportedly jeopardizing the bloc's four-year strategy to support Ukraine and highlights growing internal divisions over the economic consequences of sanctions.