Ukrainian Foreign Minister meets with EU foreign policy chief: discuss 20th sanctions package against Russia and Ukraine's EU membership
Photo: Andrii Sybiha (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister stated that he met with the EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, to discuss three key issues for Ukraine, according to his post on X.
According to the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, the first topic of discussion was peace efforts and how to accelerate them with the involvement of the U.S. and the EU.
The second topic focused on tightening sanctions against Russia, specifically the adoption of the 20th sanctions package.
"Second, increase in sanctions pressure on Russia, in particular a swift adoption of the strong 20th package, maritime services ban for Russia’s shadow fleet, and an entry ban for participants of Russian aggression against Ukraine," the minister said.
The third topic concerned Ukraine’s EU membership, which he described as a key security guarantee for both Ukraine and the rest of Europe. The minister emphasized that Kyiv is ready to complete all necessary work as quickly as possible.
At the end of his post, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister expressed his gratitude to the EU foreign policy chief, particularly for her support of Ukraine.
"I thanked Kaja for her personal efforts and dedication, as well as the EU for all the support, especially during this difficult winter. We coordinated steps ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion and our upcoming contacts and events," he summarized.
Sanctions on Russia and Ukraine's EU Membership
Last week, the European Commission prepared the 20th sanctions package against Russia. According to Ursula von der Leyen, it could be approved by the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The new restrictions are designed to further undermine Moscow’s oil revenues and will also target the banking sector and cryptocurrency companies and include export and import controls.
Regarding Ukraine’s EU accession, Aleksandar Vučić recently stated that the plan for ending the war envisages accession by January 1, 2027.
However, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz considers such an accelerated entry into the bloc "excluded" and "impossible."
Yesterday, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos noted that, under the current methodology, Ukraine cannot join the EU by 2027. For this reason, Brussels is considering a "geopolitical approach" to accelerate the process.
