EU ambassadors can’t reach an agreement on the 15th package of Russian sanctions because of Lithuania and Latvia.

Representatives of EU countries were not able to approve the 15th package of sanctions against Russia, aimed at its elusive shadow fleet. According to EU diplomats, Lithuania and Latvia blocked the adoption of the package due to disagreements over an extension of the deadline given to European companies to withdraw their investments from Russia, which has allowed them to operate in Russia despite the sanctions. Some companies are abusing this loophole, enabling them to remain in Russia.The European Commission promised to consider Lithuania and Latvia’s requests in the 16th package.

The 15th sanctions package is expected to be submitted for further discussion during the meeting of EU foreign ministers on December 16. Current EC proposals provide for adding 29 legal entities and 54 individuals to the sanctions list. For the first time, companies from China will appear on the sanctions list for their support of Russian aggression. There is also talk of new measures to combat the shadow fleet, including 48 tankers placed on the blacklist.