BRUSSELS — European Union countries have delayed agreement on extending and strengthening measures targeting Russian oil revenues as member states remain divided over a new package of sanctions against Moscow, EU officials said, leaving existing oil-related restrictions temporarily in place.
EU ambassadors failed to reach a deal on the bloc’s proposed 21st sanctions package, which includes additional measures aimed at Russia’s energy sector, financial networks and companies linked to the war economy, according to an EU diplomat. Discussions were continuing among member states as they sought to resolve differences over the package.
As part of the delay, EU governments agreed to maintain the existing price cap on Russian oil exports at $44.10 a barrel until July 23, according to EU officials. The temporary extension was intended to prevent the measure from expiring while negotiations continued.
The proposed sanctions package includes restrictions on Russian oil traders and refiners, as well as broader measures targeting banks, cryptocurrency networks and drone production linked to Moscow, EU officials said. The European Commission and member states have argued that reducing Russia’s energy income remains a central part of efforts to limit funding for its war in Ukraine.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said earlier that member states had not yet reached consensus on the package, with disagreements remaining over several proposed measures.
Some governments have raised concerns about the economic impact of tougher energy restrictions. EU diplomats said disagreements included proposed limits affecting Russian liquefied natural gas and maritime services connected to energy trade.
The European Union has already maintained a ban on imports of Russian seaborne crude oil and certain petroleum products as part of its broader sanctions regime introduced after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The EU Council extended existing economic sanctions against Russia through July 2027, covering areas including trade, finance and energy.
The European Commission has also stated that it remains committed to phasing out remaining Russian oil imports by the end of 2027, while assessing energy security and economic impacts on affected member states.
EU officials said negotiations on the new sanctions package would continue, with member states expected to seek an agreement before the temporary extension of the Russian oil price cap expires on July 23.
