EU ambassadors postpone decision on tightening sanctions against Russia

European Union ambassadors were unable to reach a consensus on a new round of sanctions against Russia during a meeting on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. According to EU diplomats familiar with the talks, discussions are set to resume on Thursday.

The proposed 21st sanctions package includes significant expansions in restrictions on the oil and gas sector, as well as the financial sector. It also features the largest addition to the sanctions list so far, targeting 250 individuals and entities that help Russia circumvent existing restrictions, including through the use of cryptocurrencies. The package further includes restrictions on fish imports and visa issuance for Russian veterans of the war against Ukraine, as well as an extension of the oil price cap.

The main obstacle to an agreement is Greece, which objects to a full ban on providing services for the transportation of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to third countries. According to a source, Greece insists that this requirement be removed from the package.

Earlier, Bulgaria blocked approval of the 21st sanctions package by demanding the removal of Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church from the sanctions list. Italy later joined this demand. However, after Kirill was removed from the list, these objections have been withdrawn.

On July 15, the EU's Permanent Representatives Committee failed to adopt a decision on the new sanctions package but decided to freeze Russia's oil price cap until July 23 while discussions continue.