The EU aims to maintain maximum pressure on Russia, according to a European Commission spokesperson speaking to the Financial Times.
The EU will not remove sanctions on Russia’s main agricultural bank as part of a Black Sea ceasefire initiative that has been under discussion between Moscow and Washington, according to European Commission Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Anitta Hipper.
During talks in Riyadh on Monday between Russian and US experts, both sides agreed to work towards reviving the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The Kremlin has stated that this revival should include the removal of Western restrictions on Russian Agricultural Bank and other financial institutions involved in international food and fertilizer sales. Moscow and Washington view the maritime ceasefire as a potential step towards resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
In her Wednesday interview with the Financial Times, Hipper stated that “the end of the Russian unprovoked and unjustified aggression in Ukraine and unconditional withdrawal of all Russian military forces from the entire territory of Ukraine would be one of the main preconditions to amend or lift sanctions.”
“The EU’s main focus remains to maximize pressure on Russia, using all tools available, including sanctions, to diminish Russia’s ability to wage its war against Ukraine,” she reiterated.
US President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that his administration is considering lifting some restrictions on Moscow, noting that “there are about five or six conditions. We are looking at all of them.”
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky stated that Kiev did not agree to the maritime truce because it would represent “a weakening of positions and a weakening of sanctions” against Russia.
The Black Sea Grain Initiative, originally brokered in July 2022 by the UN and Türkiye, sought to ensure the safe passage of Ukrainian agricultural products in exchange for the West easing restrictions on Russian grain and fertilizer exports. Moscow withdrew from the deal a year later, alleging that the West had failed to meet its obligations.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that the maritime truce could only be implemented if Russia’s conditions are met. “Of course, this time justice must prevail, and we will continue our work with the Americans [on the Black Sea Initiative],” Peskov emphasized.
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