NYT: A Pushy Europe Pushed Trump To Give Russia "pain"

• 24.10.2025, 14:23

Putting pressure on Putin is the best way to end the war.

European leaders are stepping up support for Ukraine, imposing additional sanctions against Russia and pledging to help Kiev financially and militarily over the next two years. That insistence is already bearing fruit in Ukraine, writes The New York Times.

The EU's new restrictions, including a ban on the purchase of Russian liquefied natural gas and an expanded list of sanctioned vessels, complement U.S. measures against Lukoil and Rosneft.

European countries are also working on a plan to use frozen Russian assets to provide Ukraine with a 140 billion euro loan, which would provide additional support for Kiev's military and defense needs. While some details, notably Belgium's position, still need to be agreed upon, the bloc is set to secure funding that exceeds $150 billion.

Analysts say sanctions and financial support will not necessarily force Russia to end the war, but demonstrate Europe's persistence in standing up for Ukraine's independence.

At the same time, work with the Trump administration on sanctions and military aid continues, including coordinating the use of longer-range cruise missiles against Russian targets.

European Despite doubts about Putin's response, the increased sanctions and European efforts pose additional economic and political challenges for Russia.

Richard Fontaine of the Center for a New American Security suggested that Putin's manipulation and Europe's persistence helped Trump finally put Russia in some trouble.

"Putin will not be cowed into peace by charm, understanding or skillful agreement-making," Fontaine wrote on social media. "The president may now realize this and that supporting Ukraine and pressuring Russia is the best way to end this horrible war."