Prague: Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky announced his intention to propose ending the free movement of Russian diplomats within the Schengen area as part of the 19th sanctions package set to be unveiled next month. Lipavsky emphasized that this privilege is an "unnecessary advantage" for Russia, stating that it is often "abused to facilitate sabotage operations."

According to Anadolu Agency, four anonymous European diplomats indicated that the forthcoming sanctions package against Moscow is unlikely to impose significant new restrictions on energy sales. Instead, the focus will be on targeting shadow fleet vessels and companies aiding Russia in circumventing existing regulations. Ajay Parmar, lead crude market analyst at Independent Commodity Intelligence Services (ICIS), mentioned that there is little expectation for substantial Russian oil sanctions in the EU's upcoming sanctions package.