EU fails to secure G7 backing for oil sanctions in 20th Russia package

2026-02-23 - 08:52

The European Union has failed to secure support from the United States and other G7 countries for a coordinated effort to block Russian oil deliveries under its proposed 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions, a diplomatic source in Brussels told Russian state news agency Tass on Monday. Proposal Details The source said Brussels presented the proposal to Washington and other G7 capitals as part of efforts to expand restrictions targeting the transport and servicing of Russian oil shipments. "The EU presented to the US and G7 its plan to fully prohibit European businesses from transporting Russian oil and providing any kind of maintenance, supply, financing and insurance services to tankers that transport Russian oil, no matter what flag they are flying. The European Commission invited partners to impose similar restrictions on their companies. The United States refused." G7 Response The diplomat noted he "does not exclude the possibility of Washington imposing its own measures in due time and on its own terms." Regarding other G7 partners, he stated they said joining the EU sanctions was "possible but stopped short of giving any clear promises." Sanctions Context Since the start of the Ukraine war in February 2022, Russia has become the world's most sanctioned nation, surpassing Iran, Syria, and North Korea. According to sanctions-tracking databases, more than 16,500 restrictive measures have been imposed on Moscow targeting individuals, entities, vessels, and aircraft. The 20th package's setback highlights growing coordination challenges among Western allies on further restrictions.