EU foreign ministers on 15 June 2026 approved new sanctions targeting Russia's military-industrial complex, shadow fleet, and hybrid warfare networks, and advanced work on a 21st sanctions package. They also adopted sanctions against Chinese entities enabling Russia's war, as High Representative Kaja Kallas confirmed reports that Chinese military personnel are training Russian troops. On the Middle East, ministers welcomed the US-Iran deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with the EU ready to contribute economic and nuclear expertise. However, they failed to reach consensus on sanctioning Israeli Minister Ben Grier, though many called for trade measures against illegal settlements; Kallas will ask the Commission to prepare options. On Armenia, ministers discussed strengthening resilience after elections, with a major economic support package and a new EU partnership mission to counter cyber threats and illicit flows. On Lebanon, €100 million was approved for the Lebanese armed forces. The European Peace Facility for Ukraine remains blocked; Kallas pushed for a political agreement before summer. On EU accession, Ukraine and Moldova are set to open first negotiation chapters. Ministers also discussed the Franco-German-British mission in the Strait of Hormuz, complementing Operation Aspides. On China, discussions focused on reducing dependencies, countering disinformation, and strengthening defence supply chains. Kallas stressed that Russia's strikes on Kyiv's cathedral underscore the need to isolate Russia culturally, urging member states not to host Russian artists.
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