EU fails to adopt 20th Russia sanctions package by invasion anniversary

EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said she regretted the process stalled.

“I deeply regret that we did not reach an agreement today, given that tomorrow is the solemn anniversary of the start of this war,” Kallas said.

She said the EU needs to send strong signals to Kyiv that the bloc will continue to support Ukraine while increasing pressure on Moscow to end the war.

On Hungary’s blocking of the sanctions package, Kallas noted, “We have seen this scenario before,” and added that the EU has previously managed to reach collective decisions. She said the bloc is working at various levels with Hungary and Slovakia “to make progress on this package.”

“Of course, it is not easy, it never is, but work continues,” she added.

On Feb. 22, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said Budapest would block the 20th package until Ukraine restores the transit of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia through the Druzhba pipeline.

Hungary cited the same issue when it blocked a EUR90 billion ($106 billion) EU loan for Ukraine on Feb. 20.