EU may submit 19th sanctions package against Russia as early as September 19, sources say

European Pravda reported the information, citing two diplomats from influential EU countries, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“As far as I know, the 19th package will be submitted by the Commission to the EU Council tomorrow, Friday,” one diplomat told European Pravda. Another added that it was not yet clear whether there would be a public presentation of the sanctions or if member states would first discuss the Commission’s proposal internally.

European Commission officials declined to provide a specific date when asked by journalists in Brussels on September 18, but confirmed the package would be unveiled soon.

“We expect to present the 19th package of sanctions soon,” said Olof Gill, deputy chief spokesperson for the European Commission, without providing further details on its content.

• Earlier, media outlets reported that the EU postponed the official announcement after the U.S. president called for tougher measures from Europe as a condition for introducing U.S. sanctions.