This day, 27 EU heads of state convene in Brussels for the European Council. While the formal agenda centers on competitiveness and migration, the overarching issue remains the war overshadowing all discussions. The correspondent is not yet privy to their official statements. However, it is possible to infer what concerns dominate their thoughts.

This is especially true as the war in Ukraine, initiated by Russia, and the conflict involving the US and Israel in Iran have become closely connected.

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With the Strait of Hormuz effectively blocked, costs for energy and fuel have surged. Given that this critical passageway manages a significant portion of global fertilizer transport, grocery prices are also rising worldwide.

To mitigate this strain, Trump revealed last week his decision to ease certain sanctions on Russian oil. The US Treasury Department has authorized a temporary license permitting countries to buy Russian crude oil that remains stranded offshore.

Washington emphasizes that this permission is limited to cargoes already loaded, explicitly excluding new trades or substantial financial gains for Russia.

Nonetheless, European authorities have voiced strong opposition. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the measure as misguided, while Council President António Costa asserted it directly threatens European security by enabling Moscow to profit.

The bitter paradox? Despite Trump’s announcement, oil prices have not experienced a significant decline. Yet, European security has deteriorated.

This sanctions relaxation might yield the Kremlin an estimated 150 million dollars daily. Such daily revenue could procure up to 7,000 Iranian-made Shahed drones or cover enlistment bonuses for 5,000 new Russian troops—each and every day.

After criticizing traditional diplomacy, Trump has expressed frustration that Europe is not hastening to assist in stabilizing the Middle East.

However, as EU leaders assemble in Brussels days following the Ides of March, they are well aware when political betrayal unfolds before them.

Watch the Euronews video in the player above for the full story.