EU fails to adopt sanctions by anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: Opponents revealed
Photo: Kaja Kallas, EU foreign policy chief (Getty Images)
EU countries have still not adopted the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions. Two states are blocking it, according to the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, on Twitter (X) and Brussels correspondent of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Rikard Jozwiak.
EU setback
Kaja Kallas noted that four years after the start of the full-scale war, Ukraine is paying a high price for Russia’s aggression. However, Moscow has failed to achieve any of its strategic goals. The Russian army is bogged down, the economy is rapidly deteriorating, and Ukrainians continue to resist and stand firm.
"Unfortunately, we did not reach an agreement on the 20th sanctions package. This is a setback and a message we didn't want to send today. But the work continues," she added.
Kallas emphasized that after a year of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, there is still not even a ceasefire. The only obstacle to peace, she said, is Moscow.
"We must flip the script from pressure on Ukraine to surrender territory to what Russia must do to meet the basic conditions for a just and lasting peace. Europe has clear and legitimate interests in how Russia's war ends. For European interests not to become collateral damage, we must be clear about what we expect from Russia," the official added.
She clarified that the basic minimum conditions should include:
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Respect for borders;
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An end to sabotage;
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Compensation for war damages;
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The return of abducted Ukrainian children.
Details from the journalist
Rikard Jozwiak wrote that EU foreign ministers failed to achieve any progress on the new sanctions package, as it was blocked by Slovakia and Hungary.
He suggested that the "deadline" for adopting the new sanctions package — February 24 — will most likely be missed.
Who blocked the sanctions
On February 21, the President’s Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, stated that the adoption of the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia was being blocked by Greece and Malta.
These countries oppose the introduction of a Full Maritime Service Ban — a complete prohibition on providing maritime services for the transportation of Russian oil.
