'This is our leverage': EU's chief diplomat sees no reason to lift sanctions against Russia
Photo: EU's chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas (Getty Images)
Currently, there are no grounds to lift the European Union sanctions against Russia. After all, "this is our leverage, and it would be very strange to give it away," states the EU's chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, in an interview with AFP, according to Barrons.
"We definitely need the sanctions in place. This is our leverage, and it would be very strange to give it away," Kallas said.
She noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not changed his goals, so there are no grounds to lift the sanctions.
"Whatever the negotiations then we will be in a much weaker position" if sanctions are lifted prematurely. I also don't think that it's in the interest of the United States to give up the sanctions now," the EU's chief diplomat added.
Orbán wants to lift sanctions against Russia
Earlier, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that the European Union should lift sanctions against Russia, as Donald Trump's administration is ready to open a "new era" starting next week.
The EU has approved 15 sanctions packages against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and is working on a 16th package of measures.
The EU extends existing sanctions every six months, and this requires unanimous approval from all 27 member states.
As stated by Hungary's Minister for EU Affairs, János Bóka, the country has not yet decided whether to support the continuation of EU sanctions against Russia and believes that the EU should make its decision only after consultations with Donald Trump's new administration.
However, according to the Financial Times, the EU is considering options in case Hungary vetoes the extension of sanctions against Russia.
