The EU failed to adopt the 18th sanctions package against Russia due to the blocking by two countries

At the latest meeting of the European Union, which took place on July 15 in Brussels, it was noted that foreign ministers failed to reach consensus on the 18th sanctions package against Russia. Slovakia and Malta blocked this decision, thereby highlighting important aspects. According to EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, Russia is intensifying its strikes on Ukraine using banned chemical weapons, complicating the situation for achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict. In the event of Russia's refusal to cooperate, the EU plans to impose strict sanctions to prevent further aggression. Some EU countries, such as Slovakia and Malta, expressed their concerns about the new sanctions, but the issue will be discussed at the next meeting. Hopes for reaching consensus are postponed to the future.