EU plans fresh Russia sanctions to nudge Kremlin to talks

According to Barrot, Ukraine has spent the past five months demonstrating its readiness for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposed by the United States, while France has been waiting just as long for a reciprocal move from Russia.

He noted that Moscow continues to issue maximalist statements and demands, the same ones it always puts forward at every opportunity. Still, he stressed that negotiations must consider the interests of both parties. He said talks are not about one side surrendering to the other.

Barrot also referred to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s consistent position that a ceasefire is a prerequisite for negotiations, adding that talks cannot take place "under bombs."

He recalled the Ukrainian-Russian negotiations in Istanbul in spring 2022, which were derailed following atrocities committed by Russian forces in Bucha and Izyum. In his view, these events revealed the insincerity and cruelty of the Russian president.

Barrot emphasized that the current context includes an ultimatum set by the US president, giving Russia 50 days. He said the EU has just adopted a new round of sanctions and that he had instructed his team to begin working on an even stronger package to pressure Moscow into dialogue.

On Monday, July 21, Barrot arrived in Kyiv on an official visit to attend Ukraine’s Ambassadors Conference, titled "From the Power of Diplomacy to the Diplomacy of Power." As part of the event, diplomats visited front-line areas in Zaporizhzhia region. President Zelenskyy tasked them with advancing arms supply and production, reconstruction efforts, and further sanctions against Russia.

Foreign Minister Sybiha also announced that Kyiv and Paris are preparing to sign a strategic partnership agreement and are deepening cooperation in the production of air defense systems, drones, and missiles.