On the 22nd local time, a meeting of foreign affairs officials from European Union member states concluded, once again failing to reach a consensus on the 21st package of sanctions against Russia.

The new sanctions are reportedly aimed at targeting the Russian banking sector. However, Greece has expressed a desire for the EU to relax restrictions on the supply of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG). Last week, Greek officials stated that the impending ban on the transfer of Russian LNG would merely shift market share outside of Europe without affecting Russia's revenue.

According to regulations passed by the EU last year, starting from January 1, 2027, the bloc will implement a comprehensive ban on EU operators directly or indirectly purchasing, importing, or transferring LNG originating from or exported from Russia. This prohibition also applies to EU companies transporting or transferring Russian LNG for third countries.