EU postpones 19th package of sanctions against Russia

The European Commission will not present the next package of anti-Russian sanctions on September 17 as planned, with the announcement indefinitely postponed, Politico reported, citing a European diplomat and an official from one of the bloc’s member states.

According to the sources, the announcement of the 19th package of restrictions "is no longer expected to be presented on Wednesday." The Commission has not indicated new possible dates for the official launch of the sanctions.

Politico notes that the delay is linked to the EU shifting its focus from imposing new measures against Russia to pressuring Slovakia and Hungary to "cut their reliance on Russian oil."

On September 15, Trump said he was ready to impose sanctions against Russia, but on condition that Europe does it first, because, according to him, it is unacceptable for Washington to act against Moscow in full, while European countries continued to buy Russian oil.