‘Likely Due to Technical Issues’ – Kyiv Confirms 19th EU Sanctions Package Postponed

The Office of the President of Ukraine confirmed Tuesday that the European Union has postponed the adoption of its 19th sanctions package against Russia.

Vladyslav Vlasiuk, presidential adviser on sanctions policy, told Kyiv Post that the delay is likely “due to [unspecified] technical issues” and coordination with EU partners, rather than for political reasons.

“This could mean an attempt to add some significant proposals to the package,” Vlasiuk said.

Politico reported earlier on Tuesday that the package, originally scheduled for Sept. 17, was removed from the agenda of the EU’s permanent representatives.

The information was communicated to capitals late Monday afternoon, with no details on when the package would now be unveiled. A spokesperson for the European Commission declined to comment.

According to the sources cited by the publication, the delay comes amid pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has urged NATO countries to stop buying Russian oil.

Hungary and Slovakia remain the main buyers of Russian oil from within the EUand have not yet halted purchases. European diplomats said Trump should influence the two countries directly due to close ties with their leaders.

 “These are his friends,” one diplomat said, “he could just call them.”

However, his demands would also require NATO-member Turkey – which imports 57% of its oil from Russia – to change policy, a move considered unlikely.

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The EU is preparing the package in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It is expected to target Russian banks and energy companies and may also restrict tourist visas for Russian citizens.

No new date for the package has been announced.