Baltic States – CIS, Energy, EU – Baltic States, Gas, Latvia, Legislation

"The [sanctions'] entry into force (..) will take place in the next few days," Van Rompuy announced.

He indicated that "this will leave time for an assessment of the implementation of the [Ukraine] ceasefire agreement and the peace plan."

"Depending on the situation on the ground, the EU stands ready to review the agreed sanctions in whole or in part," he added.

Contrary to media speculations that some European Union (EU) countries abstained during the vote on new sanctions against Russia, Latvian Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma (Unity) emphasizes that the EU's decision was unanimous.

Straujuma said in an interview with the Latvian Television show "Rita panorama" that the decision on sanctions against Russia was unanimous, however, the EU will wait and see how the ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine progresses before implementing the sanctions.

According to Straujuma, unofficial information indicates that one of Russia's retaliatory steps against Latvia could be demanding advance payments for gas supply. She did not say how Latvia would respond, and how large the sum could be.

She added that the gas storage facility in Incukalns is currently 70% full, which would suffice for several years.