EU foreign ministers failed to agree on new Russia sanctions in Brussels as Hungary and Slovakia rejected key measures.
Sanction Stalemate
EU foreign ministers failed to reach consensus on new sanctions against Russia during a Brussels meeting, according to Polish Radio’s Brussels correspondent Beata Płomecka. Hungary, backed by Slovakia, maintained its opposition, complicating the EU’s plans to finalize the sanctions package before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Tuesday (February 24).
Oil Ban Dispute
The latest sanctions proposal includes a key measure banning maritime services for Russian oil, intended to prevent Putin from funding his war machine, as stated by Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski. Most member states support this ban, and efforts were made on Monday to convince Hungarian and Slovak ministers, but they remained firm in their opposition.
Slovak Ultimatum
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico presented an ultimatum to Ukraine on Monday, demanding the resumption of Russian oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline. Failure to comply would trigger Slovakia’s halt of emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry condemned Slovakia and Hungary’s actions as “blackmail,” stressing that ultimatums should target Moscow, not Kyiv. Ukraine explained the pipeline was damaged in Russian attacks and repairs are underway.