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Macron Urges EU to Approve 20th Sanctions Package Against Russia

Published February 23, 2026, 17:11
Macron Urges EU to Approve 20th Sanctions Package Against Russia

French President Emmanuel Macron has called on the European Union to approve the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, which is being blocked by Hungary. He stressed the need to continue increasing pressure on Russia due to the war in Ukraine and reiterated that the political commitments made must be honored. Macron also emphasized the importance of disbursing the €90 billion European loan to Ukraine, which is also threatened with a veto by Hungary. At the same time, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha called on Hungary and Slovakia to stop holding the EU hostage and adopt responsible behavior. The European Commission has proposed a new package of sanctions against Russia, with the aim of approving it before February 24, the anniversary of the Russian invasion. Hungary has announced that it will veto the package until the Druzhba oil pipeline is reopened. The President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, described the Russian attack as a “strategic, military and economic failure” for Vladimir Putin, pointing out that Russia is losing soldiers and that NATO enlargement is a result of Putin's actions.