EU sanctions on Russia at risk as two countries make new demands
Photo: EU postpones decision on Russia sanctions (Getty Images)
EU countries once again failed to reach an agreement on extending sanctions against Russia. The diplomats' meeting has been postponed until Monday, September 14, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Rikard Jozwiak.
Disputes over Russian oligarchs
According to the journalist, EU ambassadors scheduled another meeting for Monday, September 14, one day before the deadline for making a decision, which expires on September 15.
The main sticking point remains demands from some countries to lift restrictions on Russian businessmen.
Slovakia is calling for oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman to be removed from the sanctions list.
France has also demanded that sanctions against Usmanov be lifted and that he be completely removed from the EU blacklist.
Because of these differences, the ambassadors once again failed to reach a consensus, putting the timely extension of the sanctions at risk.
Western partners step up pressure on Russia
At the same time, amid discussions over the individual sanctions lists, the European Union is already working on a new package of restrictions targeting Russian citizens and the shadow fleet.
The measures under consideration include additional strict restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats and tighter controls on Russian citizens' travel across EU countries.
Meanwhile, the US is also preparing tougher sanctions measures.
In particular, the US House of Representatives plans to consider a bill imposing "bone-crushing sanctions" on Russia next week.
The bill is expected to pass by a simple majority vote.
