Kyiv expects EU to adopt 18th Russia sanctions package this week

“According to my information, this week EU countries, together with Slovakia and Hungary, will reach an agreement on the 18th sanctions package,” Stefanishyna told Ukrainian TV broadcasters.

She noted that during the adoption of the 17th sanctions package, Hungary delayed its vote until the last day. This led to a period of nearly 24 hours during which EU sanctions were technically not in effect, which meant that French, Belgian, and Dutch officials had to start unfreezing Russian assets.

On June 26, the European Council failed to approve the 18th sanctions package against Russia, reportedly due to Slovakia’s veto. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated he requested a postponement of the vote.

On July 3, RFE/RL reported that Brussels had provided Slovak authorities with necessary energy-related assurances and that the 18th sanctions package could be approved soon. However, on July 4, EU ambassadors again failed to reach an agreement on the measures.

The proposed package included a ban on transactions related to the Nord Stream pipelines, a reduction of the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel, and a prohibition on the export of dual-use technologies and goods.