European Union member states have not yet reached a consensus on the bloc’s proposed 21st package of sanctions against Russia, which covers a range of sectors.
However, EU foreign ministers could approve new individual sanctions against another 250 people and entities as early as July 13, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, told reporters in Brussels ahead of a meeting of foreign ministers.
Reuters reported that Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said EU member states have not yet agreed on proposals to ban services and insurance for ships involved in Russian exports or to further restrict purchases of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG).
EU ambassadors discussed expanding sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine on July 12 but failed to reach an agreement. The discussions are continuing at the ministerial level on July 13.
Regarding the proposed individual sanctions, Ukrainian outlet European Pravda, citing diplomats from several EU countries, reported on July 12 that, at Bulgaria’s request, Russian Patriarch Kirill and Lukoil founder Vagit Alekperov had been removed from the sanctions list.
