Ukraine's Foreign Minister urges EU to tighten sanctions against Russia
Photo: Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has called on EU countries to join efforts with the new US administration to intensify sanctions pressure on Russia, including extending existing sanctions and introducing new measures, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Sybiha participated in an online meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on January 27. He expressed gratitude to European partners for their comprehensive support of Ukraine.
The Minister urged European allies to join efforts with the US administration to increase sanctions pressure on Russia - to extend existing sanctions regimes and approve new restrictions on additional sectors of the Russian economy and counterparties.
"Existing sanctions against Russia must be extended and strengthened. This also aligns with the approach of the new US administration. The upcoming 16th EU sanctions package should be as robust as possible. Banking, the shadow fleet, metallurgy, energy, IT, and other sectors - much more can be done to strengthen sanctions," Sybiha emphasized.
He also informed the European partners about the latest executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war by the Russian army. He emphasized that these Russian crimes have become systemic.
"These atrocities reveal the true nature of the Russian regime. I urge you to use all available tools to stop them and demonstrate to Russia that every heinous crime will have consequences," the Minister said.
Sybiha reiterated the importance of adhering to the principle of "peace through strength" in countering Russian aggression. He emphasized that one of its key components is increasing pressure on Russia through sanctions, isolation, and raising the daily cost of war.
"Another critical element is strengthening Ukraine militarily, economically, and politically, while providing clear and long-term security guarantees on its path to EU and NATO membership," he added.
The Foreign Minister welcomed the determination of US President Donald Trump in his commitment to ending Russian aggression against Ukraine and called on European allies to work together toward restoring comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace.
He underscored the importance of maintaining the principles of "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine" and "nothing about Europe without Europe" in achieving this goal.
Sybiha expressed his gratitude to European partners for their support, calling it a "historic example of solidarity and unity." He also encouraged them to continue and expand investments in Ukraine’s defense industry.
"By investing in Ukraine’s arms production today, you are investing in the security of Ukraine and the whole of Europe," the Minister concluded.
EU sanctions against Russia
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the European Union imposed sanctions aimed at isolating Russia and weakening its economic and military potential.
To date, the EU has introduced 15 sanctions packages targeting Russia. These measures cover a wide range of actions, including financial restrictions, and a ban on the export of high-tech goods, such as microchips, aviation equipment, and advanced technologies.
At the same time, Hungary attempted to blackmail the EU, threatening to block decisions on extending sanctions against Russia.
According to Politico, Budapest eventually agreed to approve the decision at the last moment.
On January 27, EU foreign ministers supported the continuation of sanctions against Russia.
