EU approves 19th package of sanctions against Russia – Reuters

The Danish rotating presidency of the EU announced this on Wednesday, Ukrinform reports, citing Reuters.

"We are very pleased to announce that we have just been notified by the remaining member state that it's now able to lift its reservation on the 19th sanctions package," the statement said.

Slovakia was the final holdout after EU countries agreed on the final text last week. Slovakia's Prime Minister Fico wanted assurances from the European Commission on high energy prices and aligning climate targets with the needs of carmakers and heavy industry.

A Slovak diplomat said the country's demands were met in new clauses added to the final communique for the EU leaders summit on Thursday.

The 19th EU sanctions package includes, in particular, a full ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas and additional measures against the "shadow fleet" of tankers Moscow uses to evade Western restrictions.