The European Union could not impose new sanctions against Russia

According to informed diplomats, Latvia and Lithuania refused to support the new sanctions package because it included a clause that would allow Western companies to continue operating in Russia despite the current sanctions.

Politico also reported that Slovakia is seeking to extend another sanctions waiver that would allow it to export Russian refined oil to the Czech Republic.

The sanctions package is expected to be discussed at the meeting of EU foreign ministers on December 16.

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