Brussels: The European Union (EU) failed to approve a new round of sanctions against Russia on Tuesday, as the move was blocked by Slovakia over concerns related to energy security, according to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.
According to Ghana News Agency, Kallas expressed disappointment after a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, stating she was 'really sad' the sanctions didn't get approved. She emphasized that 'the ball is in Slovakia's court,' highlighting Slovakia's pivotal role in the decision-making process.
The European Commission had earlier introduced its 18th sanctions package, aimed at targeting Russia's energy sector, banking operations, and defense industry. A significant component of the proposed measures was a ban on financial transactions involving Russia's Nord Stream gas pipelines.
Slovakia, heavily dependent on Russian gas, opposed the proposed package, voicing concerns over potential supply disruptions and escalating energy costs associated with a separate EU proposal to phase out Russian gas imports by early 2028.
On military support for Ukraine, Kallas noted the EU's desire for the United States to 'share the burden' of supplying arms. U.S. President Donald Trump recently endorsed a plan for European allies to purchase American military equipment for Ukraine, which Kallas critiqued, stating, 'If you promise to give the weapons, but say that somebody else is going to pay for it, it is not really given by you,' referring to Trump's proposal.
