The EU has reached a political agreement on the 21st package of sanctions against Russia after Greece initially blocked the agreement: "Member states have shown solidarity towards Greece."

The ambassadors of the European Union agreed on Thursday on a political agreement regarding the 21st package of sanctions against Russia, according to diplomatic sources cited by Reuters and AFP. Technical work for this package will continue, and a written adoption procedure will be launched on the same day.

Among the agreed measures is the tightening of the price cap for Russian oil to $44.10/barrel for a period of 12 months, in contrast to the European Commission's initial proposal of six months. An agreement was also reached regarding exceptions for transfers of liquefied natural gas from Russia to third countries, which will be valid for one year.

Greece was a major obstacle in the negotiations, seeking a relaxation of restrictions on LNG deliveries. The new package targets the Russian banking sector, aiming to exert pressure on Moscow's financial system. The EU will ban imports of LNG from Russia starting January 1, which could significantly affect Russia's revenues.