The leaders of the EU member states reached a consensus in principle on the long-delayed 6th package of sanctions. Under the new sanctions, imports of Russian oil will be reduced by 90 percent by the end of the year. President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen held a press conference after the first day sessions of the EU Leaders’ Summit held in Brussels, the capital of Belgium.
EU Council President Michel said the deal covers more than two-thirds of oil imports from Russia. Michel stated that EU leaders also agreed to provide 9 billion euros in aid to Ukraine to support the country’s economy, which has been negatively affected by the war. Describing the agreement on the new sanctions package as an “extraordinary success”, Michel said, “We want to stop Russia’s war machine.” “It is more important than ever to show that we can be strong, we can be tough,” Michel said. The new sanctions will be legally approved by Wednesday, Michel said, adding that the EU has agreed on drastic measures targeting Russia’s largest bank Sberbank and three state-owned broadcasters.
TR