Internal rifts within the European bloc have jeopardized the adoption of the new restrictive measures, originally scheduled for July 13. According to the report, negotiations are ongoing, but the package could still be rejected despite efforts by top EU diplomats.

The original draft prepared by the European Commission underwent substantial changes due to pressure from several EU member states, the source indicated.

Political analysts in Brussels note that growing fatigue regarding the restrictions and the economic impact on the member states themselves are fracturing European unity.

Maintaining consensus is becoming increasingly difficult when measures affect national economies unevenly, explained international relations expert Claire Deligny.

However, leaks to the news outlet contradict that certainty and reveal fissures in the EU’s strategy against Moscow, just as a meeting of the bloc’s foreign ministers approaches.

Russian authorities insist that their economy will withstand Western pressure and dismiss the sanctions as a failure.

Official spokespersons reiterate that the West lacks the courage to admit the restrictions have failed to bring the Eurasian nation to its knees, while voices questioning the effectiveness of measures adopted to date are growing louder in several European capitals.

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