The European Union has failed to reach agreement on a new package of sanctions against Russia, just days before the fourth anniversary of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
The proposed 20th sanctions package, aimed at tightening economic and financial restrictions on the Kremlin, did not receive unanimous backing from all 27 EU member states — a requirement for adopting new restrictive measures under the bloc’s foreign policy rules.
EU officials confirmed that discussions are ongoing, but at this stage consensus has not been achieved. Diplomats say disagreements among member states over specific provisions in the package have stalled its adoption.
The failure to approve new sanctions comes at a symbolic moment, as European leaders prepare to mark four years since Russia launched its full-scale assault on Ukraine in 2022. Since then, the European Union has imposed multiple rounds of sanctions targeting Russia’s banking sector, energy exports, military-industrial complex, and individuals linked to the Kremlin.
The 20th package was expected to further restrict Russia’s access to key technologies, tighten measures against sanctions circumvention, and expand listings of entities and individuals supporting the war effort.
Despite the deadlock, EU officials have reiterated their commitment to maintaining pressure on Moscow and continuing support for Ukraine. Negotiations are expected to resume in the coming days in an effort to overcome divisions and reach a compromise.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has entered its fifth year, with fighting ongoing across eastern and southern regions and continued missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities.
Image: Firefighters work at the site of a Russian missile strike on a residential area in Kyiv on Sunday
Photograph: Alessio Mamo/The Guardian
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