The European Union is aiming to approve a new package of sanctions against Russia by the end of the week. This was announced by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaia Kalas at a press conference after the extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels.
„We will see what compromises will be required to approve the new measures. Blocking by Hungary is nothing new“, commented Kalas. She specified that the proposal to limit the price of Russian oil to $45 per barrel currently remains in force.
Kalas stressed that all member states support efforts for a ceasefire in Ukraine. „Russia is intensifying its attacks, we must respond firmly. Its hybrid actions against European countries pose a direct threat to the entire continent,“ she said.
In her words, Iran remains a long-term threat. “The EU has been adamant for years that Tehran should not develop nuclear weapons, as this threatens international security. The goal now is to prevent further escalation. We call for negotiations and a step back - no one benefits from an escalation of the war“, added Kallas.
The meeting also discussed the future of the EU-Israel agreement regarding the Gaza crisis and the limited possibilities for delivering humanitarian aid. “This is only the beginning of the discussion, not the end,“ she stressed.