The EU denounced the "illegal" annexation votes Russia held in occupied Ukrainian regions and proposed a new raft of sanctions over the development.

Berlin's Fête de la Musique took place this time without coronavirus restrictions for the first time in two years. The outdoor concerts are free for all. But while many are celebrating the end of the pandemic, infection numbers are rising again.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine four months ago, the cost of living crisis has become a global issue. Prices have gone up around the world. In Europe, the countries that use the euro saw an average of 8.1 percent inflation in May. Pressure on prices, combined with stuttering economic growth, has sparked fears of a recession. These concerns could still come into play regarding the EU's response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In this programme, we're joined by two MEPs to discuss how the EU should balance sanctions against Russia with the risk of recession.

Germany's Cabinet has wrapped two days and talks about the war in Ukraine and its impact on the German economy. The government warned that a planned EU oil embargo could cause supply problems and even higher inflation.

Some EU governments are pushing for an embargo on Russian oil and gas to punish Moscow for its war against Ukraine and force a Russian military withdrawal.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged the European Union to act swiftly, as concern grows over Russia's military buildup on the border to Ukraine. Coming up with a sanctions policy after an invasion would be too late, he said.