The European Union’s proposed 21st package of sanctions against Russia, concerns voiced by several EU member states over these sanctions, the course of the Russia–Ukraine war, prospects for negotiations between the parties, as well as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming meetings with Russian and Chinese officials on the sidelines of the Asia Summit are among the key issues on the international agenda.
Political analyst Ahmad Shahidov said in an interview with ARB24 TV that while the European Union’s sanctions against Russia are aimed at limiting Moscow’s economic capabilities, they are also negatively affecting the economic interests of several European countries. According to him, the longer the war continues, the greater the damage suffered by all sides. For this reason, some EU member states are proposing specific exemptions to the sanctions imposed on Russia.
Ahmad Shahidov also noted that Ukraine’s increasing drone strikes deep inside Russian territory have prompted Moscow to respond with more intensive missile attacks, further reducing the prospects for negotiations between the two sides. He added that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s meetings with his Russian and Chinese counterparts during the Asia Summit are expected to address not only the Russia–Ukraine war but also the developments surrounding Iran. In Shahidov’s view, rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, increasing U.S. pressure on Iran, and the worsening regional security situation are all diminishing the prospects for peace between Washington and Tehran.
