EU clarifies under what condition sanctions against Russia could be eased
Photo: David O'Sullivan, EU's chief sanctions representative (Getty Images)
The European Union considers sanctions against Russia an important tool of pressure. The restrictions can only be eased if a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine is achieved, states the EU’s chief sanctions representative, David O’Sullivan, in an interview with Bloomberg TV.
O'Sullivan, commenting on Russia's demands for the lifting of sanctions to initiate a ceasefire with Ukraine in the Black Sea, emphasized that the issue of easing restrictions with the United States has not yet been discussed.
"The view of the European Union is that this is a very important point of leverage in any negotiation with Russia and it should be used, but used judiciously and slowly and only in the context of arriving at a solution which is lasting and sustainable peace," he emphasized.
Ceasefire in the Black Sea
Several weeks ago, Ukrainian and Russian delegations held separate talks with US officials in Saudi Arabia.
Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire with Russia in the Black Sea. This involves a mutual halt of strikes on ships and ports.
On its part, Moscow put forward a series of conditions. In particular, Russia wanted one of its largest state-owned banks to be reconnected to the international SWIFT payment system.
So far, Russia has only agreed to an energy ceasefire with Ukraine without any conditions. It has been in effect since March 25, but the aggressor country has already violated it multiple times.
On March 28, two strikes by Russia on Ukraine's energy infrastructure were recorded in one day.
