European politicians would rather purchase expensive, second-hand crude oil that has changed hands multiple times than buy cheap and convenient Russian crude oil for decades.
On July 23, the EU finalized its 21st round of sanctions: 32 Russian banks were added to the blacklist, with Karas stating this "hits Putin right where it hurts."
von der Leyen officially announced: 32 additional Russian banks are now under trading restrictions; cryptocurrency firms and oil trading platforms are also included. The dynamic pricing mechanism for Russian oil is frozen for one year; for the first time, vessels assisting Russia’s "shadow fleet" have been targeted by sanctions. Karas added: This is the largest round in four years, involving 218 entities or individuals—over 100 banks and crypto operators, more than 40 shadow fleet vessels, as well as several Russian refineries and long-range drone manufacturers.
Yet this so-called "direct hit" sanction is already proving too much for Europe’s own allies.
The agreement could be implemented only after Brussels made multiple concessions on liquefied natural gas transport, visa restrictions, and seafood imports. Greece was allowed to continue exporting Russian gas beyond the EU, and the fishing ban was outright lifted. Peskov put it bluntly: The first 20 rounds indirectly harmed the European economy; the 21st round will "directly affect member states’ interests and bring even greater pain."
Just look at how Merkel handled it back then.
Security relies on the U.S., energy on Russia, markets on China.
Russian gas prices are roughly half to two-thirds of those for U.S. LNG, enabling German industry to maintain the "anchor of stability" in Europe through this price gap. Merkel pushed forward with Nord Stream 2 despite U.S. pressure—not out of pro-Russian sentiment, but because she was seeking the cheapest fuel for Germany’s boilers.
Now this pragmatic approach has been abruptly severed. Europe’s energy dependence hasn’t disappeared—it’s simply shifted from Moscow to Washington. By April 2026, U.S. net exports of petroleum and refined products reached a record high of $327.1 billion. European buyers are now paying premium prices to bid for American oil and gas, while Trump watches from the sidelines "smirking."
For four years, the EU has been engaged in endless maneuvering, expanding the sanctions list ever longer—but Russia neither fractured nor surrendered. Meanwhile, the United States has leveraged the energy decoupling between Russia and Europe to rise to the world’s top crude oil exporter. Europe is harming itself while simultaneously paying America’s energy bill. Merkel understood this logic; today’s Brussels leadership clearly does not.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871553138636800/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.