Twenty-seven EU member states have agreed on an 18th package of sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, diplomats told dpa on Friday.
The sanctions target Russia’s financial and energy sectors and come in response to President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to agree to an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine.
Slovakia has blocked the package, citing concerns about gas imports. On Thursday, Prime Minister Robert Fico said he had instructed Slovak representatives to approve the measures. Fico said continuing to block the move would be “counterproductive” to Slovakia’s interests as an EU member.
All 27 EU members must support the new sanctions before they can be implemented.
