The European Union has not yet reached a final agreement on its 21st package of sanctions against Russia, with several disputed issues still blocking consensus among member states.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said before the start of the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels that discussions were continuing and unanimity had not been achieved. At the same time, she expressed hope that foreign ministers would approve a separate sanctions list adding around 250 individuals linked to activities connected with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
The names of those targeted were not disclosed by Kallas, but discussions over the broader sanctions package remain complicated. According to POLITICO, disagreements emerged at the final stage of negotiations over a proposal to freeze the existing price cap on Russian oil, currently set at USD 44.10 per barrel.
Cyprus, Greece and Malta have opposed the idea, although diplomats said a compromise could still be possible if the freeze period is reduced from six months to three months.
EU countries also remain divided over a proposed entry ban on Russian fighters who have taken part in military operations in Ukraine. Diplomats told POLITICO that reaching an agreement on the measure appears unlikely because of reservations from France and Italy.
