While European Union (EU) countries failed to reach a consensus at yesterday’s meeting to present the ninth package of sanctions against Russia, EU leaders met today in Brussels for the last summit of the year.

The diplomats gave information about the meeting of EU leaders.

A diplomat said that progress was made at yesterday’s meeting, but objections from Poland and some other countries continue, and a new proposed sanctions package is expected to be presented tonight.

SANCTIONS ON THE EXPORT OF FOOD AND FERTILIZERS CANNOT BE AGREED

One of the reasons for the lack of understanding on the ninth package of sanctions against Russia was the disagreement between EU countries on the issue of facilitating the transit of Russian fertilizer exports through European ports. Some of Russia’s fertilizer exports are regulated by the companies of Russian oligarchs, which are subject to sanctions.

Some countries argue that Western sanctions on Russian food exports pose a risk to food security in developing countries. Others point out that the sanctioned oligarchs would break sanctions on fertilizer companies if fertilizer exports were allowed.

According to a diplomat, Poland and the Baltic states have said it is self-delusion to think that oligarchs will not abuse if restrictions on Russian fertilizers are relaxed. (Reuters)