10.02.2026 Greece and Malta have spoken out against the European Union’s (EU) proposal to replace the price cap on Russian oil with a ban on services necessary for its transportation, Bloomberg reported, citing sources familiar with the discussions.

Greece and Malta hesitate over EU’s Russia oil services ban — Bloomberg https://t.co/G3CNhberAN

— The Edge Singapore (@readtheedge_sg) February 10, 2026

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According to the agency’s sources, the objections were voiced during the meeting of EU ambassadors on February 9, where the bloc’s new sanctions package was presented.

Our International Working Group on Russian Sanctions has been recommending these ideas for a long time. Glad to see this progress!

EU targets Russian energy, banks, goods and services in latest sanctions package https://t.co/L9F2vLh0D2

— Michael McFaul (@McFaul) February 9, 2026

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Greece and Malta are reportedly concerned that abandoning the price cap in favor of a ban on services could negatively impact the European shipping industry and lead to higher energy prices. Furthermore, Athens and Valletta requested clarification on plans to impose sanctions on foreign ports servicing Russian oil shipments, as well as on initiatives to tighten controls on the sale of vessels to limit their entry into the Russian fleet.

Russia will only come to the table with genuine intent if it is pressured to do so.

So we are tabling our 20th package of sanctions against Russia covering energy, financial services and trade ↓https://t.co/6OmfycLWCc pic.twitter.com/xDE1zkqlIq

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 6, 2026

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On February 6, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Commission had presented a new, 20th, sanctions package against Russia. Its central element will be a complete ban on Russian oil shipments. On January 29, EU Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas stated that the EU expects to adopt a new sanctions package on February 24, 2026.

US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil from Oct. '25 scared people off buying Russian oil. Urals oil price (black) is down sharply and Russia's oil tax revenues (blue) have collapsed. Now is the time for the EU to shut down the shadow fleet. A knock-out blow.https://t.co/nTv3ROhmjW pic.twitter.com/NicIGvZKVU

— Robin Brooks (@robin_j_brooks) February 10, 2026

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Greece and Malta, whose firms profit significantly from transporting Russian oil, oppose the plan, warning it could harm their economies. Cyprus has stayed neutral due to its rotating EU presidency role. Hungary also objects to further energy sanctions on Moscow.

Another sticking point is a proposed export ban targeting Kyrgyzstan, marking the first time the EU would directly sanction a non-member state for helping Russia circumvent restrictions. The Commission cites an 800% surge in EU dual-use goods exports to Kyrgyzstan since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and a 1,200% increase in re-exports to Russia.

Italy and Hungary raised concerns about the extraterritorial nature of such measures, questioning their legality. The Commission countered that existing EU rules—adopted by all member states—allow sanctions on third countries aiding in sanctions evasion.

Poland, meanwhile, is calling for a stricter package, including mandatory certification of wood origin to close loopholes. Polish officials warn Russia is bypassing timber sanctions by exporting raw wood to countries like China and Turkey, where it’s processed into plywood and re-imported into the EU under false labels. Certification would ensure the origin of raw materials, not just final products.

Further disagreements have emerged over potential sanctions on ammonia and steel, adding to the challenges of reaching consensus.

Ambassadors will continue negotiations in the coming days. Unanimity among EU members is required for the sanctions package to take effect.