US lifts Russia sanctions while Europe doubles down

Europe's economy is dragging more than four years of sanctions against Russia, with cumulative inflation above 10%, while the United States has changed course and lifted its own. The EU stays the course with a new package.

Europe has spent four years imposing sanctions on Russia. First over the invasion of Ukraine, then out of inertia. The result shows up in the shopping basket: cumulative inflation above **10%**, energy prices through the roof and a cost of living that bites. Meanwhile, **the United States** has done a U-turn and lifted its own.

## Washington's U-turn

**Trump** lifted the economic sanctions on Russia in a matter of days. He did so at a time when the US economy is going through a rough patch and needs oil. The move leaves Europe with the face of someone who did the dirty work and watches the boss walk away.

The EU joined the sanctions regime trinc **Biden**'s lead. Now, with Trump in the White House, that alignment has become a problem: Brussels holds the course while Washington abandons it.

## Brussels doubles down

The European Commission is preparing an additional sanctions package against Russia. The High Representative, **Kaja Kallas**, and the French President, **Emmanuel Macron**, publicly back the need to keep up the pressure. The argument is that giving in now would amount to defeat.

It is European households who pay the cost. Energy bills remain well above pre-2022 levels and the shopping basket has grown steadily more expensive. The political priority, however, remains the sanctions.

## The bill for the strategy

Some argue that Europe puts geopolitical goals ahead of its own economic interest. Cumulative inflation above **10%** and energy prices are facts, not opinions. The question is how long that combination can hold without social discontent taking an electoral toll.

The paradox is obvious: the United States imposes sanctions, Europe copies them, and when Washington changes its mind, Brussels is left on its own. The cost of that solitude is measured in euros and in votes.