EU ambassadors met in Brussels to try to finalise a 21st package of sanctions against Russia after earlier attempts failed, as Ukraine welcomed overnight strikes on Russian supply hubs and a funding row erupted over Russia's return to the Venice Biennale.
Key facts
- EU ambassadors are aiming to sign off on the 21st package of sanctions against Russia in Brussels.
- Previous attempts to agree the package ended without success.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised overnight strikes on Russian logistics hubs.
- The Venice Biennale said it would challenge an EU decision to withdraw a €2 million grant over Russia's return to its 2026 edition.
- A new Ukraine army chief vowed to step up the counteroffensive.
EU ambassadors travelled to Brussels aiming to sign off on the bloc’s 21st package of sanctions against Russia, according to the Guardian. The move follows previous attempts that ended without success, underlining continued divisions among member states over how to proceed.
By midday, talks between senior diplomats were underway in Brussels in a renewed effort to agree the package, the Guardian reported. Discontent from some member states has complicated the process, with the outcome of the negotiations still uncertain.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised an overnight attack on what he described as “logistics hubs involved in supplying the Russian army with drone component, navigation equipment and other gear.” He said Ukraine was “quite justly, bringing the war back home – to Russia.”
Zelenskyy added that “peace is needed, and Ukraine has presented the Russian side with every proposal,” arguing that Russia “must be forced to turn to diplomacy.” A new Ukraine army chief separately vowed to step up the counteroffensive, according to the Guardian.
A separate dispute emerged over culture and funding. The Venice Biennale said it would challenge a European Union decision to withdraw a €2 million grant in response to Russia’s return to its 2026 edition, despite continuing aggression against Ukraine, Reuters reported.
The Italian government sharply criticised the EU’s move, while the European Commission warned it would suspend or terminate funding if the Russian pavilion returned, according to the report.
Why it matters
Sanctions are one of the EU's main tools for pressuring Russia over its war in Ukraine, and repeated failures to agree new measures highlight the political difficulty of maintaining a united front. The Venice Biennale funding row shows how the dispute is spilling into cultural and financial decisions across Europe.
Frequently asked questions
What is the EU trying to agree in Brussels?
EU ambassadors are aiming to sign off on the 21st package of sanctions against Russia, after previous attempts ended without success.
Why is there a dispute over the Venice Biennale?
The Venice Biennale said it would challenge an EU decision to withdraw a €2 million grant in response to Russia's return to its 2026 edition. The Italian government criticised the move, while the European Commission warned it would suspend or terminate funding if the Russian pavilion returned.
What did Zelenskyy say about the overnight strikes?
Zelenskyy praised an attack on logistics hubs supplying the Russian army with drone components, navigation equipment and other gear, saying Ukraine was justly bringing the war back home to Russia and that Russia must be forced to turn to diplomacy.