Brussels Still Divided over New Russia Sanctions

EU foreign ministers have failed to reach agreement on the bloc's 21st package of sanctions against Russia. Ahead of talks in Brussels, the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said several issues remain unresolved.

The bloc could nevertheless approve the addition of 250 individuals and entities to its sanctions list as early as Monday. According to Kallas, this would represent the largest single expansion of the sanctions list to date.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said member states have yet to agree on a proposed ban on maritime services or tighter restrictions on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Budrys argued that the EU must decide whether it is prepared to prioritize security over economic interests. He warned that putting economic considerations ahead of security would set a dangerous precedent.

(Reuters, bak)