Putin is still playing games and not serious about peace — Kallas
High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas (Getty Images)
Russia shows no willingness to end its war against Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to play games, said the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, as reported by La Repubblica.
"Everything in Europe takes time. So we have just completed the 17th package of sanctions and are working on the 18th. We are moving as fast as we can. And I believe it's also very important to send a strong signal to put pressure on Russia. That's why I can't give you an exact timeline, but we are definitely aiming to achieve this as soon as possible," Kallas said.
She added, "We don't see any movement toward a ceasefire."
"It's clear that Putin is still playing games, and there are no signs that he wants peace," the EU's top diplomat emphasized.
EU sanctions against Russia
On May 20, the European Union approved its 17th package of sanctions against Russia and has already begun working on the next set of restrictions.
In particular, 189 vessels from third countries were added to the blacklist, bringing the total number of targeted ships to 342. These vessels are part of Russia's so-called shadow fleet and are responsible for transporting Russian oil, using high-risk shipping practices or supporting Russia's energy sector.
On the same day, the EU began preparing its 18th package of sanctions against Russia.
Earlier, the leaders of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and other European countries declared their readiness to increase pressure on Moscow if it does not agree to a ceasefire or take steps toward a peaceful resolution of the war.
