European Union member states have yet to reach agreement on the bloc's sweeping 21st package of sanctions against Russia, with disagreements persisting over measures targeting Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) and maritime services.
According to Reuters, EU foreign ministers may nevertheless approve the addition of 250 individuals and entities to the bloc's sanctions list on Monday.
Speaking ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she remained hopeful an agreement could be reached on the new listings.
"We hope to reach agreement on 250 new listings. It is the largest number we have approved so far," Kallas said.
She added, however, that outstanding issues and disagreements among member states continue to block adoption of the broader sanctions package.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said no decision had yet been taken on a proposed ban on maritime services, nor on plans to tighten restrictions on imports of Russian LNG.
"I want to see whether we are really serious," Budrys told reporters.
"We cannot place economic interests above security interests. This is a very dangerous trend."
The proposed package would further increase pressure on Moscow as the EU seeks to strengthen sanctions imposed following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but divisions among member states continue to complicate negotiations.
Source: Reuters / CNA
