**EU Fails to Approve 18th Package of Sanctions Against Russia**
In a move that has sparked concern among Ukraine’s allies, EU ambassadors have failed to approve the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. The news comes after Hungary and Slovakia expressed opposition to the new restrictions, citing unnamed diplomatic sources.
For months now, Ukraine’s allies have been working on the next round of economic penalties against Russia in response to Moscow’s refusal to accept a ceasefire. The 17th package of sanctions took effect on May 20, but officials in Budapest and Bratislava protested against the approval of new restrictions against Russia.
Hungary has consistently opposed sanctions against Russia under the leadership of Prime Minister Viktor Orban. However, Slovakia has not previously attempted to block EU sanctions. The country’s opposition to the latest package of sanctions is seen as a surprise move by many analysts.
“We have no agreement,” an unnamed diplomatic source told Suspilne news outlet. “Ambassadors will return to this issue after two reservations are removed.” Despite the setback, the EU ambassadors did manage to extend sectoral sanctions against Russia for six months. These restrictions cover various economic areas, including trade, finance, technology, and luxury goods.
The 18th package of sanctions presented by the European Commission in June includes new restrictions on the Russian energy and banking sectors, as well as transactions related to the Nord Stream gas pipeline project. Ukraine’s allies are taking a tough stance against Russia, but it remains to be seen how long this will last.
**Analysis**
The failure to approve the 18th package of sanctions is a significant blow to Ukraine’s efforts to isolate Russia economically. While the EU has managed to extend existing restrictions for six months, the lack of progress on new penalties is a worrying sign.
Hungary and Slovakia’s opposition to the latest package of sanctions highlights the divisions within the EU regarding its policy towards Russia. As tensions between Moscow and Kyiv continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond.
**More**
Active fighting continues around the village of Shevchenko in Donetsk Oblast, where one of Ukraine’s largest lithium deposits is located. Ukrainian forces have denied reports that Russia has occupied the village.
The EU leaders gave their political consent to extend sanctions previously imposed on Russia for its war against Ukraine. Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported that Russia had attacked Kherson Oblast, disrupting electricity supply to multiple settlements.
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said that the country plans to move forward with a topic of a leaders’ summit for substantive dialogue after discussing humanitarian issues.
The attack on Ukraine has resulted in injuries and fatalities. Ukrainian air defense intercepted 365 out of 371 incoming Russian air weapons, including drones and missiles.
These events demonstrate the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the need for international cooperation to resolve this crisis.
