Brussels, 18 July 2025 (dpa/MIA) - The 27 EU member states have agreed an 18th sanctions package targeting Russia for invading Ukraine, several diplomats told dpa on Friday.

The sanctions package targets Russia's financial and energy sectors and comes in response to President Vladimir Putin's refusal to agree to an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine.

Slovakia had been blocking the package, citing concerns over its gas imports. On Thursday, Prime Minister Robert Fico said he had instructed Slovakia's representatives to approve the measures.

Fico mentioned that continuing to block the move would be "counterproductive" for Slovakia's interests as an EU member.

All of the EU's 27 members have to back new sanctions before they can be implemented.

Photo: MIA archive