Hungary may delay adoption of new sanctions against Russia

The EU is nearing the finish line in adopting its 20th package of sanctions against Russia, and a final agreement is expected to be reached after two more meetings of ambassadors in the Coreper II format, three diplomats told Politico.

EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas is pushing hard to have the sanctions package ready for the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Ambassadors are likely to meet again on Wednesday and possibly on Friday.

Kallas is trying to coordinate her actions with the UK to ensure the sanctions have maximum effect.

On Monday, the ambassadors heard a report from sanctions envoy David O'Sullivan, who is working with third countries to close loopholes that allow Russia to keep its oil tankers on the high seas.

Hungary insists on excluding leading Russian sports officials from the sanctions list, which could delay the adoption of the sanctions package.

Photo: Channel 24.