EU skips 18th sanctions package, finds other way to punish Russia
Two EU countries continue to block the new sanctions package against Russia (Photo: Getty Images)
The European Union countries failed to adopt the 18th sanctions package against Russia but continued with another important sanctions package targeting Russia, according to Reuters and Radio Svoboda correspondent Rikard Jozwiak.
It is noted that EU leaders failed to reach an agreement on Thursday regarding the 18th sanctions package against Russia. The reason was Slovakia’s position, which has yet to give the green light to the decision.
Discussions on the package are likely to resume among the ambassadors of EU member states in the coming days.
At the same time, EU leaders agreed to extend sanctions against Russia for its aggressive war against Ukraine for another six months.
New sanctions package against Russia
The European Union countries have prepared a draft of the 18th sanctions package against Russia.
The package includes restrictions targeting 9 and over 30 legal entities, with the main focus on hitting Russia’s energy revenues and defense industry. It is considered one of the most powerful sanctions tools since the full-scale war began.
However, Slovakia and Hungary blocked the adoption of the 18th sanctions package and put forward demands for their support.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on EU countries to approve the new sanctions package, describing it as powerful and important.
