On the 18th local time, the European Union approved a new round of sanctions against Russia.
The General Station learned that the specific content of the sanctions plan includes banning EU operators from using the Nord Stream pipeline in Russia and setting an upper limit on the price of imported oil. In addition, the new round of sanctions plans to remove 20 Russian banks from the SWIFT international payment system, further isolating the Russian financial sector.
Slovakia has always opposed this plan, stating its concerns over the EU’s proposal to gradually stop importing oil and gas from Russia. On the 16th local time, the EU reviewed the 18th round of sanctions against Russia without reaching a consensus. The day before, EU member states’ foreign ministers held a meeting in Brussels, Belgium, to discuss the 18th round of sanctions against Russia. Due to opposition from countries like Slovakia, the plan failed to pass unanimously. (Report by Gu Xin)