EU foreign ministers were unable to come to an agreement on implementing a new set of sanctions against Russia during their meeting in Brussels on Tuesday, according to a report by Reuters.

Kaja Kallas, Europe’s leading diplomat, expressed optimism that the 18th round of sanctions aimed at Moscow might receive approval on Wednesday, noting that the process now hinges on Slovakia’s decision.

Slovakia has withheld its backing for the new sanctions, requesting specific assurances regarding the EU’s initiative to phase out Russian gas imports by January 1, 2028.

The country relies heavily on Russian gas imports and benefits financially from transit fees for the gas that passes through its territory.

The proposed sanctions from the European Commission include prohibiting transactions with the Russian Nord Stream gas pipelines and with banks believed to be aiding Russia in evading existing sanctions.

European diplomats have suggested that authorities are also looking into establishing a floating price cap on Russian oil, aiming to set it at 15% below the average market price over the previous three months.

A letter from the European Commission, which was reviewed by Reuters, informed Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico that his concerns are being acknowledged and that officials can offer assurances to mitigate any fuel shortages once the planned import ban on Russian gas takes effect in 2028.

Reporting was also contributed by AFP.