On March 19, European Union leaders held a meeting to agree on the 20th package of sanctions against Russia and a €90 billion reparation loan for Ukraine. However, no concrete decisions were reached. The loan remains blocked primarily due to opposition from Hungary and Slovakia, who did not support the joint statement. President Volodymyr Zelensky also participated, emphasizing the importance of preventing Russia from strengthening its position in potential future negotiations.
Simultaneously, the situation in the Middle East has worsened: Iran launched missile strikes on a refinery and substations in Haifa, while Israel conducted an airstrike on an Iranian nuclear facility in Bushehr, confirmed by the IAEA. These events have raised regional energy security risks, with natural gas prices in Europe rising by 30-35%. The US is considering partially lifting sanctions on Iranian oil to help stabilize the market.
Tension is also rising on military fronts: NATO warns Russia may attack the alliance before 2029, and a Russian military jet recently violated Estonian airspace. In Ukraine, Russian forces attacked Sumy region, causing civilian deaths and injuries. Meanwhile, a tax bill needed for cooperation with the IMF faces hurdles in the Ukrainian parliament amid political crisis.
British and US military planners have started working together to ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz, indicating the possible formation of a new anti-Iran coalition. Geopolitical tensions remain high among top players—USA, Russia, Iran, and China—affecting both energy and global security.
