EU Weighs Oil and Nuclear Steps in 20th Russia Sanctions as Hungary Vows Veto

Overview

• At a Brussels meeting, EU foreign ministers discussed proposals to add a ban on Russian oil supplies and limits on nuclear cooperation to a 20th sanctions package.
• Hungary’s foreign minister Péter Szijjártó called the oil and nuclear measures red lines and said Budapest would not consent, noting EU sanctions require unanimity.
• EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Russia is creatively evading oil restrictions and urged quicker moves against tankers rather than waiting for full packages.
• Options under discussion included detaining and inspecting tankers on the high seas, pursuing environmental or insurance claims, and seeking cooperation from flag states.
• No practical steps were approved, and Kallas said ministers did not discuss a formal plan to expropriate frozen Russian assets, though some voiced support to accelerate such a move to finance Ukraine.