The US and the EU are not imposing harsh sanctions on Russia due to Europe's dependence on Russian energy. The defining factor in Russia's ability to continue the war is support from China. Experts stress that to stop the war, pressure should be applied not only to Moscow but also to Beijing.
However, the EU lacks an effective collective stance toward China. Major European countries sign contracts with China independently, complicating coordinated political pressure. At the same time, the European market is crucial for China, especially given heightened US-China tensions.
The EU's joint negotiating position often differs from that of individual member states, which can block EU-level decisions. Hungary maintains the most active dialogue with China, while Germany and France are either in competition or cautious in their relations. The European market has become an important alternative for Chinese exports amid US tariffs.
Ukraine is not the main focus in EU-China relations; economic cooperation and trade restrictions take precedence. National interests within Europe also diverge, particularly in agriculture and energy sectors.
In summary, the lack of a unified EU policy towards China complicates the possibility of external pressure to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.
