Reports indicate that Hungary and Slovakia have resisted the proposed 19th package of restrictions.
According to Politico, which cited multiple EU diplomats, the European Union has put off introducing its latest round of sanctions targeting Russia. The publication suggested this delay stemmed from the Trump administration’s push for more stringent measures against Moscow, a stance that has met with opposition from both Slovakia and Hungary.
The 19th proposed package of actions, intended to target Russian oil exports and its banking sector in response to the Ukraine conflict, was scheduled for presentation on Wednesday. Nevertheless, it has been removed from the European Commission’s agenda for an unspecified period, as several EU diplomats informed Politico on Tuesday.
The report indicates that this suspension occurs while Brussels intensifies efforts to compel Hungary and Slovakia to reduce their energy dependence on Moscow, following a renewed ultimatum from Washington on the matter.
US President Donald Trump, who has previously avoided direct sanctions on Russia, reportedly stated over the weekend that he was prepared to “move ahead” if European partners of Washington ceased buying Russian oil. He further called on the EU to impose tariffs of up to 100% on China and India—nations that have been primary purchasers of Russian oil since the 2022 escalation of the Ukraine conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin has cautioned Western countries against using a “colonial” tone with China and India or attempting to “punish” them.
In its effort to apply sanctions pressure, Brussels has committed to completely phasing out Russian fossil fuels by 2027; however, several member states, notably Hungary and Slovakia, persist in opposing this decision, citing potential threats to their national energy security. The European Commission recently put forth a proposal to eliminate unanimous voting on the bloc’s foreign policy choices, aiming to bypass objecting members.
Russia has condemned Western sanctions as “illegal,” asserting that these measures have not only been unsuccessful in destabilizing its national economy but have instead stimulated internal growth. Russian officials assert their pursuit of enduring peace, simultaneously accusing Kiev and its Western supporters of hindering this objective.