Tenth package of sanctions against Russia is planned to be adopted in early February 

Polish agency PAP reports.

"We will pressure Kremlin with sanctions for as long as it takes. We will extend sanctions to those who militarily support Russia's war, such as Belarus and Iran," EC chief Ursula von der Leyen said, hinting at work on a new package of sanctions.

Andrzej Sadosh, permanent representative of Poland to the EU, confirmed this: "The work has really accelerated. Poland in the group of like-minded countries is now proposing further sanctions. Strengthening current restrictions is also an ongoing process."

The diplomat believes that the reason for the acceleration is the upcoming Ukraine-EU summit, and the catalyst is the anniversary of the Russian full-scale invasion.

EU is reluctant to talk about details of the 10th package, emphasizing the surprise effect.

"Once again, an attempt is being made to extend sanctions on the export of Russian diamonds. The value of diamond exports to the Russian budget is estimated at 4.5 billion euros. This is a considerable amount," the publication quotes reliable source.

New restrictions will apply to products that can potentially be used by the Russian military. Sanctions lists are planned to be expanded to include more persons responsible for aggression and war crimes. Belarus will also be included in restrictions: "synchronization of Belarusian sanctions with Russian ones, especially sectoral ones, in those areas where Minsk cooperates with Moscow in military terms."

Hungary has already stated that it does not agree with some of the names on sanctions lists.

• European Union has promised to introduce sanctions against Belarus and Iran for military support of the Russian Federation in the war against Ukraine.