“We were very close to success”: Kaja Kallas commented on negotiations on a new sanctions package against Russia

EU foreign minister Kaya Kallas stated Tuesday that negotiations on a new sanctions package against Russia were unsuccessful but that the European Union would attempt to reach an agreement on Wednesday. “I am very sorry that we were not able to reach this agreement today. I must say that we were very close to success,” Kallas said during a press conference following a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

Kallas emphasized that the European Commission had fulfilled Slovakia’s requests in exchange for its support of the sanctions package. She indicated that the Slovakian government now holds the responsibility to finalize the agreement. Earlier, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced that the European Commission had offered guarantees to Bratislava regarding the planned cessation of imports of Russian gas into the EU from January 1, 2028.

Fico stated he would consult with political leaders in Slovakia and await their response. He reiterated that Slovakia would not vote for new sanctions against Russia unless the European Commission provided Bratislava with minimal support in the event of approving the gas import cessation proposal.

Topics: #very #kallas #new