EU maintains sanctions on Russia, prepares new package
Photo: EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Anitta Hipper (Getty Images)
The European Union is not lifting sanctions against Russia, and they remain in effect. Brussels is currently working on the 17th package of anti-Russian sanctions, WNP reports, citing EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Anitta Hipper.
In particular, the spokesperson was asked about Russia's demands to remove half of the sanctions in exchange for ending the war against Ukraine. She emphasized that the EU's sanctions against Russia are still in force and that their goal is to weaken the Kremlin and strengthen Ukraine.
"We are working on the 17th sanctions package," Hipper emphasized.
The EU spokesperson also added that the Union's position is that any peace agreement must be concluded with the full consent of Ukraine.
Hipper also stressed that the EU is working to reach an agreement on extending sanctions against Russia on time. With only two days left until the deadline, Hungary is blocking the decision.
"We are working hard to ensure that an agreement on the extension of sanctions is reached on time," she said.
The EU spokesperson declined to speculate on what would happen if the 27 EU member states do not reach an agreement on this issue by Saturday.
Russia demands the removal of some sanctions as part of the negotiations to achieve peace in Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump has threatened Russia with additional sanctions if it refuses to end the war. However, according to Bloomberg, Trump's advisors are working on a plan to ease sanctions against Russia.
Reuters reports that Russia has started preparing for the potential lifting of sanctions. According to the media resource, the Russian government is surveying companies to determine which sanctions Moscow should attempt to remove in negotiations with the United States.
