The news site “EUobserver” reported on Wednesday that the permanent representatives of the European Union countries failed to reach an agreement on the new sanctions package against Russia due to objections from Austria and Slovakia.
The report added that the agenda of the Luxembourg meeting will address the situation in the Middle East, including potential sanctions against Israel. Austria will be represented at the meeting by State Secretary Zib Schielhorn.
Russia has repeatedly affirmed its ability to adapt to the economic pressures resulting from the sanctions and accused the West of lacking the courage to admit the failure of the sanctions policy.
Some Western officials have criticized the effectiveness of these measures, while Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the policy of containing and weakening Russia represents a long-term strategy of the West, pointing out that the sanctions have dealt a severe blow to the entire global economy.
