Kaja Kallas expressed optimism that the EU will quickly agree on a new sanctions package, including a cap on the price of Russian oil.

EU diplomatic chief Kaja Kallas has announced that the 27 member states are close to agreeing on an 18th sanctions package against Russia, which will include a new cap on the price of Russian oil. Although Slovakia initially blocked the adoption of the package, Prime Minister Robert Fico obtained enough guarantees to drop his veto. The European Commission is proposing reducing the current cap of $60 a barrel to $45, but some countries are reluctant. The EU also plans to add 70 phantom tankers to the blacklist, as Russia has created a fleet to circumvent sanctions.