We Need to Negotiate with Third Countries: Charles Michel

At the Brussels summit, EU leaders will discuss ways to close loopholes in the sanctions regime against Russia, including through negotiations with third countries. This was announced on Friday by European Council President Charles Michel upon arriving at the EU summit.

"We will continue to impose sanctions against Russia. But we need to discuss how to close all loopholes. We must negotiate with third countries to prevent them from engaging in circumvention of the restrictions," Michel stated.

"We know that loopholes are being exploited, and we need to intensify our efforts to reduce their number. Some third countries are providing Russia with means to circumvent the sanctions, either directly or indirectly," the official added.