Greece and Malta block new EU oil sanctions on Russia — Bloomberg

According to the agency's sources, the two southern European countries became the main obstacle to the adoption of the relevant EU initiative during a meeting of permanent representatives, where the 20th package of sanctions against Russia was presented.

They expressed concern that the new restrictions could hit the European shipping industry and affect energy prices.

Both countries also requested additional clarification on sanctions against foreign ports for transshipping Russian oil and tighter controls on ship sales to reduce Moscow's fleet.

Last week, the European Commission proposed replacing the current price cap on Russian oil sales with a ban on services necessary for its transportation.

This proposal is a central element of the EU's 20th package of sanctions for Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

EU sanctions require the support of all member states for approval and may change before they are adopted. The EU plans to finalize the package of restrictive measures by the end of February.

EU sanctions against Russia

On February 6, the European Commission prepared the 20th package of sanctions against Russia.

According to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the sanctions list is planned to be expanded to include 43 more vessels of the shadow fleet, bringing their total number to 640.

The EU intends to make it more difficult for Moscow to purchase new tankers to circumvent restrictions, as well as to introduce a ban on maintenance and the provision of a range of services to liquefied gas tankers and icebreakers.

The head of EU diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, said that a new package of sanctions against Russia is planned to be adopted on February 24, the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.