The EU's foreign policy chief also denounces that the intelligence services of Germany and the Netherlands have detected the use of chemical weapons in Ukraine by Russian troops. The 18th package of sanctions against Russia remains unapproved in Brussels.

Slovak prime minister Robert Fico has given in to EU pressure on Russia sanctions, while claiming victory and throwing around threats and insults.

The European Union on Friday reached an agreement to impose its 18th round of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine after Slovakia ended its protest.