EU Diplomats Fail To Agree On New "Anniversary" Sanctions On Russia

Reuters reporting that EU diplomats have failed to agree the 10th package of Russia sanctions, planned to be unveiled ahead of the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

• According to Reuters sources, the package was blocked by Poland over exceptions on Russian synthetic rubber imports. Talks will resume tomorrow.
• The new sanctions package under consideration would target additional Russian banks, enforce stricter export controls, and new measures against the Iran - all designed to strangle Russia's access to military tech.
• An EU diplomat told Reuters yesterday: "The package should be concluded well in time for February 24th, it's on good track, there are no major sticking points."
• Politico reported this week that Hungary was threatening to derail the continued implementation of sanctions: "Hungary’s Viktor Orbán is again threatening to veto the extension of EU sanctions — which have to be renewed every six months — because he wants four individuals removed from the list..."
• Politico: "Hungary is also opposing a proposal — backed by all other countries — to prolong the extension period from six to 12 months..."