Poland seeks to agree on 17th package of EU sanctions against Russia by July 1

Speaking in the European Parliament, EU Affairs Minister Adam Szłapka said that sanctions should remain an important tool to put pressure on Russia's war economy.

According to him, work on a new package of sanctions has already begun and should be completed by the end of the Polish EU presidency.

The European Commission has already sent a draft of the 17th sanctions package to the capitals of EU member states. The new restrictions include a ban on exports to Russia of chemicals used in rocket engines.

In addition, 15 more people and 45 companies specializing in the military-industrial complex were blacklisted.

The European Union will also increase pressure on Russia's shadow fleet, in particular on ships that violate international sanctions by transporting Russian oil at prices above the established limits.

Polish position is arming Ukraine

Adam Szłapka emphasized that pressure on Russia should be comprehensive and accompanied by the provision of weapons to Ukraine to strengthen its position before possible ceasefire negotiations.

The Polish minister said that Ukraine should be in a position of strength to be able to conclude a favorable agreement and ensure its implementation in the future.

EU sanctions against Russia

The EU has introduced 16 packages of sanctions against Russia in response to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. These restrictions are aimed at weakening the Kremlin's economic and military capabilities, as well as at making it more difficult to circumvent the sanctions already in place.

Western media reported that the United States allegedly wanted the EU to lift sanctions against Russia as part of the Donald Trump administration's peace efforts. However, official Brussels refused Washington's request.

There were also rumors in the foreign media that the EU does not want to impose sanctions on Russian LNG yet. The reason for this decision is allegedly the US presidential administration.