EU sanctions on Russia stall as member states split over oil price cap

EU ambassadors in Brussels failed to reach a consensus on the 21st sanctions package against Russia, prompting foreign ministers to take up the talks. The most urgent dispute concerns the oil‑price ceiling that limits Russian crude sales to about $44 a barrel. If an agreement is not reached before July 15, an automatic mechanism will raise the cap to roughly $58 a barrel, increasing Kremlin revenue.

Member states such as Greece, Cyprus and Malta oppose freezing the price limit because it would hurt their shipping industries, while others push for a longer freeze. Parallel negotiations involve a proposed ban on entry for Russian soldiers, short‑term visas as an alternative, and restrictions on LNG tanker transits and Russian cod imports.

At the same time, the EU is preparing a record list of 250 individual sanctions targeting Russian persons and entities, including financiers, cyber operatives and officials linked to the war. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said the measures aim to hit the financial backbone of Russia’s military capacity. The deadline for ministers to act is tight, with only 48 hours left before the oil‑price mechanism triggers.

The deadlock highlights internal divisions within the bloc as it seeks to tighten pressure on Moscow while balancing the economic interests of certain member states.