EU fails to reach agreement on 21st sanctions package against Russia

Foreign ministers of EU member states met in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, under the chairmanship of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. While the ministers discussed a new sanctions package against Russia, they were unable to reach an agreement on it.

Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, Kallas expressed her regret that an agreement could not be reached on the new sanctions package currently on the agenda against Russia. Kallas stated, "I am sorry that we could not reach an agreement on the 21st sanctions package. 250 new items have been added to the sanctions list. We are trying to increase our pressure on Russia.

However, the war has been going on for 4 years, and there are member states experiencing different effects. The best outcome for all countries would be to achieve peace. In today's discussions, the issue of ending this war came to the fore more. We are trying to steer Russia toward ending the war. To ensure Russia comes to the table, it is necessary to support Ukraine. Ukraine is in a better position, and Russia is losing the war,'' she said.

When asked whether a new sanctions package would be adopted by Wednesday, Kallas replied, ''I cannot give any guarantees.''

Call to member states to support Ukraine

Calling on EU member states to provide more aid to Ukraine, Kallas claimed that Russia would attack Ukraine's power grids next winter and said that budgets for generators and maintenance and repair costs should be created now. Kallas called on countries that have such stocks to support Ukraine. Kallas also announced that Russia has intensified its cyberattacks recently and that the EU and the UK will fight against this together.

Reaction to Olympics and Biennale

Stating that EU member states are reacting to the participation of Russian athletes in sports events, Kallas said, ''We do not find it right for Russian athletes to be invited to sports events by the International Olympic Committee. The EU Commission is ending its sponsorship of the Venice Biennale. Sports and culture cannot be a ground for the normalization of violence,'' she stated.

Palestine, Moldova, and Armenia also discussed

EU High Representative Kallas stated that the situation in Palestine was also discussed at the meeting, saying, ''I discussed the current situation with Prime Minister Mustafa. We have allocated 900 million euros in financial resources. We support a two-state solution.''

Kallas said, ''Israeli settlers are being debated, and the EU Commission is working to impose trade sanctions on them. This is not a sanction against Israel, but a stance against settlers who pose a problem for the two-state solution,'' she stated.

Stating that Armenia is important in terms of connectivity, Kallas said that support would be provided to Armenia against cyberattacks. Kallas also stated that they have allocated 120 million euros for Moldova's air defense.

Drawing attention to the tension in the Middle East, Kallas said that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open and that international shipping trade should not be negatively affected. Kallas, who recently visited Bosnia and Herzegovina, stated that she informed the ministers of the member states about her visit and field observations.

News Source: 12punto