Ukraine says mere approval of EU's 20th sanctions package is no longer sufficient

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said that the belated approval of the European Union's 20th sanctions package against Russia is no longer sufficient and that it must be substantially expanded.

Source: Sybiha during a press briefing in Kyiv, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Sybiha pointed out that the package had been expected to be approved two months earlier, on 24 February. However, this did not happen due to opposition from Hungary and Slovakia, who instead demanded that the Druzhba oil pipeline resume operations.

Quote: "We believe that it is no longer enough for the sanctions simply to be adopted; they must also be expanded. Quite a lot of time has passed since 24 February. Our understanding has evolved, as has the need to tighten pressure on the Russians, their industry, their shadow fleet and maritime services."

Details: Sybiha added that Ukraine therefore is hoping for an expanded 20th sanctions package. The minister noted that he had raised this issue the day before in an address to the EU Foreign Affairs Council.

"And we have encouraging signals that the 20th package will be adopted," Sybiha noted.

Background:

• Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár said his country is ready to support the EU's 20th package of sanctions against Russia after Slovakia "received a signal" about the possible resumption of oil supplies.
• On 21 April, Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka said that Hungary and Slovakia confirmed that after supplies of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline are resumed, both countries will support the provision of an EU loan to Kyiv and the adoption of the 20th sanctions package against Russia.

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