Greece, the new situational protector of Russia in the post-Orban era. It blocks the EU's plan for new sanctions against Russia.

Member states of the European Union have failed to reach a consensus on imposing a new package of sanctions against Russia, after Greece blocked the measures to protect its fuel transport industry. A new meeting is scheduled for Thursday, in an attempt to obtain the necessary unanimous agreement.

The sanctions package, presented in June, includes energy and trade measures aimed at reducing Moscow's financial resources. Athens opposed the ban on transporting Russian gas, arguing that it exceeds previous agreements. The Greek government requested an indefinite exemption, considering that its commercial fleet transports a significant portion of global cargo. Delays in adopting the sanctions will require extending the cap imposed on Russian oil purchases, and divisions within the bloc complicate the process. The initial proposal includes travel restrictions for former Russian combatants and sanctions for banks, but discussions have been postponed until after the summer vacation.