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

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.