Kallas Confident EU Will Approve 20th Sanctions Package on Monday Despite Ambassador Deadlock

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas has expressed confidence that the bloc's foreign ministers will approve the 20th sanctions package against Russia when they meet on Monday, February 23, despite ongoing deadlock at the ambassadorial level.

Ambassador Negotiations Stall

EU ambassadors failed to reach agreement on the sanctions package during meetings this week, with the next working-level session scheduled for February 25. However, the foreign ministers' meeting on February 23 will now serve as the forum for final decision-making.

"Sanctions are working," Kallas emphasized. "They are inflicting serious damage on the Russian economy, and each new measure further limits its ability to wage war. Moscow is not invincible; its army is suffering record losses, and the economy is under heavy pressure."

Pressure to Meet Deadline

The push to adopt the package before February 24-the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine-carries significant symbolic importance. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa plan to visit Kyiv on that date.

"Putin will not stop this war until costs exceed benefits," Kallas said. "And that is exactly what we must achieve."

Remaining Disputes

Key disagreements persist over the proposed ban on maritime services for Russian oil tankers, sanctions on ports in Georgia and Indonesia, and restrictions targeting banks in third countries. Greece, Malta, Italy, Spain, and Hungary have raised various objections to elements of the package.

The Commission has indicated it is prepared to proceed with the full ban on maritime services even without G7 consensus, marking a potential shift in EU sanctions policy.

Von der Leyen's Call

European Commission President von der Leyen has called on member states to "immediately" approve the new sanctions, emphasizing the strategic importance of maintaining pressure on Moscow at a critical moment in peace negotiations.