European Union (EU) negotiations on the 21st round of sanctions against Russia are currently deadlocked, with Greece demanding changes to an agreed ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), sources familiar with the discussions said on Friday.
At the center of the deadlock is Greece's push for exemptions that would allow its shipping fleet to continue transporting Russian LNG to countries outside the EU, despite a bloc-wide prohibition set to take effect in 2027.
Under the rules approved by the EU last year, from January 1, 2027, all EU operators will be banned from directly or indirectly purchasing, importing, or transferring Russian-origin LNG. The ban also applies to EU companies providing shipping or transshipment services for Russian LNG destined for third countries.
Greece is now seeking to reopen the regulation and insert exemption clauses that would permit its domestic shipowners to keep carrying Russian LNG for non-EU buyers.
EU ambassadors are scheduled to meet on Wednesday to make a renewed push for the adoption of the new sanctions package.
The development comes after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on June 9 that the EU's executive arm had proposed a 21st sanctions package against Russia, targeting key sectors including energy, financial services and crypto, trade and, for the first time, fisheries.
The proposal includes restrictions on ports, airports and refineries involved in trading or processing Russian oil. The sale of LNG tankers to Russia would also be restricted.
The proposal still requires approval by all 27 EU member states before it can enter into force.
EU talks on Russia sanctions hit deadlock over Greek shipping exemption demand
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ankara on Wednesday to exchange in-depth views on the latest developments in the Palestine-Israel conflict, bilateral relations, and other issues of common concern.
During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed the traditional friendship between Türkiye and Palestine and discussed ways to deepen cooperation in various fields.
Türkiye will continue to defend the Palestinian cause in the strongest possible way on every platform, Erdogan said, calling for necessary conditions to be established as soon as possible to launch reconstruction in the Gaza Strip.
Abbas expressed high appreciation for Türkiye's firm stance in defending the legitimate rights and interests of the Palestinian people on various international occasions, as well as his gratitude to Türkiye for providing humanitarian aid to Gaza and medical treatment for wounded Palestinians.
He hailed the latest Mecca Joint Defense Agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan, describing it as an important strategic step to strengthen regional security and stability.
Abbas briefed Erdogan on the situation in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, accusing Israel of settlement expansion, land seizures, home demolitions, arrests, and provocations at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City, which have led to a dangerous escalation of the situation.
Although various parties have announced the implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, Israel continues its blockade and military operations in the enclave, resulting in a persistent humanitarian crisis and casualties in the region, Abbas said.
Abbas reiterated that Gaza is an inseparable part of the Palestinian state, and there can be no state without Gaza.
He emphasized that a future Palestinian state must operate under a centralized governance model defined by one state, one law, one legitimate institution, and one legitimate armed force.
Abbas arrived in Ankara on Tuesday for a two-day official visit.
The visit comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday formally rejected the U.S.-backed 15-point plan for ending the Gaza conflict, insisting that Israel will not withdraw its forces from the enclave until Hamas is fully disarmed.
Erdogan meets Abbas in Ankara, reaffirms support for Palestine
