EU sanctions against Russia have blocked five countries: list

On February 20, the countries of the European Union failed to agree on the 20th package of sanctions against Russia.

This is reported by The Guardian and Reuters, citing diplomatic sources.

According to the agencies’ sources, EU ambassadors have not reached a compromise on the new package of restrictions. However, they may meet again this weekend to continue negotiations ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

Brussels expected to approve the agreed document on February 23 during a meeting of foreign ministers.

The new package envisages increased pressure on Russia’s energy and financial sectors. The European Commission has proposed a complete ban on maritime services for the transportation of Russian oil and expanding the list of the so-called shadow fleet to 640 vessels.

The initiative also includes restrictions on the maintenance of certain liquefied gas tankers and icebreakers and steps that will make it more difficult for Moscow to purchase new vessels to circumvent sanctions.

However, some countries have opposed sanctions on foreign ports and banks that the EU believes are helping Russia circumvent oil restrictions. Hungary, Greece, Malta, Italy and Spain have expressed objections.