EU foreign ministers, meeting as the Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) on 15 June 2026 under the chairmanship of Cyprus, approved new sanctions targeting Russia's military-industrial complex, shadow fleet, and hybrid warfare networks, while also advancing work on a 21st sanctions package. However, ministers failed to reach consensus on sanctioning Israeli Minister Ben Grier over Gaza, with many calling for trade measures against illegal settlements instead. High Representative Kaja Kallas will ask the European Commission to prepare options on the matter.
On Ukraine, the European Peace Facility remains blocked; Kallas urged member states to reach a political agreement before summer. Ministers also adopted sanctions against Chinese entities enabling Russia's war, and Kallas confirmed reports that Chinese military personnel are training Russian troops. On Armenia, ministers discussed strengthening resilience after recent elections, with a major economic support package and a new EU partnership mission to counter cyber threats and illicit flows. Ukraine and Moldova are set to open their first EU accession negotiation chapters.
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. The Franco-German-British mission in the Strait of Hormuz was discussed as complementary to Operation Aspides. On Lebanon, €100 million was approved for the Lebanese armed forces. On China, ministers discussed 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. The meeting highlighted divisions among member states on Israel-related trade measures, while broad consensus was reached on Russia sanctions and support for Ukraine, Armenia, and Moldova.