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Italian premier vows support to Zelensky, including in terms of anti-Russian sanctions

The permanent representatives of the EU countries cannot yet reach an agreement on the sixth package of sanctions against Russia, which includes a draft oil embargo

ROME, May 22. /TASS/. In a recent phone conversation, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi assured Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky of his comprehensive support, including in terms of approving the sixth package of anti-Russian sanctions, the Italian premier’s press service has reported.

"President of the Council of Ministers of Italy Mario Draghi held a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky to discuss latest events and development of the conflict. Draghi assured him of Italy’s full support to Ukraine, including in terms of approving the sixth package [of anti-Russian sanctions], assisting in unblocking the country’s ports and Ukraine’s accession to the European Union," the statement says.

The permanent representatives of the EU countries cannot yet reach an agreement on the sixth package of sanctions against Russia, which includes a draft oil embargo - the European Commission has proposed a ban on imports of crude oil from Russia six months after the sixth package enters into force, and on oil products - from 2023. At the same time, the European Commission proposed to allow Hungary and Slovakia to purchase Russian oil until the end of 2024. European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni said on Wednesday the sixth package of EU sanctions against Russia is blocked.

According to sources, the European Commission already had to soften a number of its proposals on the timing, parameters, and possible exceptions to the oil embargo. Hungary opposes the oil embargo, with the support of a number of other countries who believe that the damage from the measure will be catastrophic for Europe.

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Ukraine Italy Vladimir Zelensky

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