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Negotiations continue in the EU on a new package of sanctions against Russia

Ursula von der Leyen and Josep Borrell
Photo: EPA/BGNES

The EU is close to reaching an agreement on the 6th package of sanctions against Russia, said the head of the community's foreign policy, Josep Borrell. The ambassadors of the member states did not reach an agreement on the first day of the discussions, a BNR source said, adding that intensive technical consultations had been held, which allowed for progress. The discussion will continue on May 6. Disagreements are over the embargo on oil imports from Russia, which the European Commission is proposing to introduce by the end of the year. Bulgaria and Slovakia want a postponement, while Hungary is completely against it.


In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban said the new EU sanctions package risks undermining not only Hungary's energy security but also the union's unity in its response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, REUTERS reported.

The Ukrainian army has repulsed 11 Russian attacks in Donbass during the day, UNIAN reported. Fighting continues at the Azovstal plant in Mariupol, with Moscow trying to complete the operation there by May 9.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that in recent days the organization has managed to evacuate about 500 civilians from Azovstal and is trying to continue the evacuation.



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