Ukraine expects EU to approve 18th Russia sanctions package despite Hungary, Slovakia

Presidential sanctions policy envoy Vladyslav Vlasiuk said this on telethon.

Vlasiuk noted that approving the 18th sanctions package by the end of June appears to be a realistic prospect.

"As of now, it generally looks like the 18th sanctions package can be adopted before the beginning of July. That’s the assumption we’re working with. An agreement wasn’t reached on the 18th package today, but the prospect of reaching one tomorrow looks absolutely realistic," he said.

When asked about the content of the sanctions package, Vladyslav Vlasiuk said it could target 77 tankers of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.”

“I believe the package will include not only tankers but also other entities involved in the operation of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet.’ We really hope to see captains included as well — that would be a very strong and powerful signal, showing that responsibility for participation in Russia’s shadow fleet is becoming as individual and personally toxic as possible,” he said.

The sanctions may also target banks and companies linked to supplies for the Russian military-industrial complex.

• On June 25, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Ukraine is counting on further strengthening of European Union sanctions against Russia that would hit the aggressor country's military budget.
• At the EU summit on June 26, the European Council failed to unanimously adopt a statement in support of Ukraine: out of 27 member states, Hungary did not sign the document.