Politico: Hungary's stance could stall EU's 20th package of sanctions against Russia

Hungary's position on Russian sports officials could delay the adoption of further EU sanctions against Moscow.

Source: Politico, a Brussels-based politics and policy news organisation, citing sources, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Overall, the EU is close to finalising its 20th package of sanctions against Russia, with a deal expected following two more Coreper II ambassador meetings, three diplomats told Politico.

Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, is pressing hard to have the sanctions package ready by 24 February, the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ambassadors are expected to meet again on Wednesday and possibly Friday, the diplomats said.

Kallas is also coordinating with the UK to ensure the sanctions are as effective as possible.

On Monday, ambassadors received a report from EU Sanctions Envoy David O'Sullivan, who has been working with third countries to close loopholes that enable Russia to keep its oil tankers operating on the high seas.

However, two other diplomats told Politico that Hungary is insisting on exempting senior Russian sports officials from the sanctions list – a stance that could delay the package’s adoption.

Background: European Pravda reported that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had discussed sanctions on Russia and EU-US coordination on sanctions with a bipartisan US delegation on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

Greece and Malta have become the main obstacle to a proposal by the EU to replace the price cap on Russian oil with a ban on services necessary for transporting the fuel.

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