The European Union is preparing the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, but Slovakia is blocking it.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on the leadership of Slovakia to stop blocking the new package of EU sanctions against Russia.
He made the corresponding statement during his speech at the Conference on the Restoration of Ukraine.
According to Merz, the EU is already ready to adopt the 18th package of restrictions, but only one country is missing consent.
“I call on Slovakia and its prime minister to stop resisting and open the way for this solution,” the chancellor said.
The German politician stressed that sanctions remain an effective tool of pressure on Moscow with the aim of forcing Russia to agree to end the war against Ukraine.
Recall that French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said that the European Union is preparing the toughest package of sanctions against Russia since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine. According to him, these restrictions are aimed at undermining the economic potential that allows Putin's regime to continue its aggression.
Also, a bill to tighten sanctions against Russia, proposed by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, could be adopted this month. The document provides for the introduction of duties of 500% in relation to countries that buy Russian goods and thereby finance the aggressor.
Optimism for its passage is growing after Donald Trump criticized Vladimir Putin for missile strikes in Ukraine. The bill has broad bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate, and Graham hopes for a similar position in the House.
