President of the European Council Antonio Costa, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels. PHOTO: Nicolas Tucat / AFP
The European Union has refused to meet the Kremlin’s demands to lift or ease sanctions in exchange for a limited naval truce in the Black Sea. Kyiv has opposed Russia’s concessions, while the US is considering options for a response.
Brussels against concessions to the Kremlin
On Wednesday, the European Commission officially confirmed that the cessation of Russian aggression and the complete withdrawal of troops from Ukraine are the main conditions for a possible review of sanctions.
“The end of Russia’s unjustified aggression and the unconditional withdrawal of all Russian troops from Ukraine are key preconditions for any changes in the sanctions policy,” the European Commission representative said.
Earlier, Moscow demanded the lifting of sanctions against the agricultural sector and the unblocking of transactions through Russia’s Rosselkhozbank, which remains disconnected from the SWIFT system. The Kremlin said that only then would it be ready to implement the truce in the Black Sea.
Ukraine is categorically against
On Tuesday, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke out clearly against any easing of the conditions for the aggressor. A representative of the President’s Office added that Kyiv had not received any requests to agree on the terms of the truce.
The US hesitates
Amid the tough stance of the EU and Ukraine, Washington continues to analyse Moscow’s proposals. Former US President Donald Trump confirmed that the administration is considering several of the Kremlin’s conditions, but no decision has been made yet.
“We’re looking at all options now. We’ re talking about about five or six conditions,” Trump said.
At the same time, Germany confirmed that it has no information about a possible review of EU sanctions, stressing that decisions on SWIFT are made in Brussels.
Europe finds itself in a difficult position
Despite Brussels’ tough stance, analysts at The Guardian note that the Black Sea truce talks may indicate a change in the US approach, which could increase Europe’s isolation in its sanctions policy towards Russia.
