Czechia backs swift approval of 18th sanctions package against Russia

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said on Monday that the Czech Republic supports the swift adoption of the European Union’s 18th package of sanctions against Russia. Speaking to reporters at a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels, he stressed that Europe must not relent in its support for Ukraine. The sanctions package met with resistance from Hungary and Slovakia who are opposed to the bloc’s plans to end energy imports from Russia. According to diplomatic sources cited by Czech News Agency, hopes now rest on the possibility of unblocking the impasse during the upcoming two-day EU summit of presidents and prime ministers, starting Thursday.

Minister Lipavský confirmed that a Czech proposal aimed at curbing sanctions evasion by Russia had made it into the draft of the new sanctions package.