EU sets condition for lifting sanctions: Withdrawal of all Russian troops from Ukraine

The withdrawal of all Russian military forces from Ukrainian territory will become one of the key conditions for potential changes or lifting of European Union sanctions, stated a representative of the European Commission.

Speaking on Wednesday, he emphasized that the EU would continue its two sanction frameworks against Russia for another six months, reaffirming its stance on Moscow's aggression against Ukraine.

"The end of the Russian unprovoked and unjustified aggression in Ukraine and unconditional withdrawal of all Russian military forces from the entire territory of Ukraine would be one of the main preconditions to amend or lift sanctions," said the EU representative.

Changing sanctions requires unanimity among all 27 EU member states. This makes the issue of lifting restrictions more complicated, as each member has the right to veto.

Meanwhile, the United States has made separate agreements with Ukraine and Russia regarding the cessation of attacks at sea and against energy targets. Washington has agreed to facilitate the removal of some sanctions against Moscow in exchange for an agreement on maritime security in the Black Sea.

In response to these statements, Russia announced that the US had agreed to help lift a number of Western sanctions, including restrictions on food, fertilizers, and maritime transport. Most of these restrictions relate to EU sanctions, according to diplomats from Reuters.

Withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Russia should at least withdraw its troops from Ukraine to the line it occupied before the large-scale invasion on February 24, 2022.

Kyiv also insists on being involved in any negotiations with Moscow regarding the cessation of the war.

Furthermore, nearly half of Russians support the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. This is the highest recorded level since February 24, 2022.