The European Commission is trying to meet Slovakia's demands so that it lifts its veto on the 18th package of sanctions. Bratislava has been offered guarantees concerning the phase-out of Russian gas,

Bratislava wants exemption from EU plan to halt Russian oil and gas imports if bloc wants its support for new sanctions

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Union did not approve the 18th Russia sanctions package on Tuesday, the EU's foreign chief Kaja Kallas said after a meeting with EU foreign ministers in Brussels.