Ukraine’s European allies, including the UK, France, and Germany, have unanimously agreed that now is not the time to lift sanctions on Russia. This decision comes after Moscow stated it would only agree to a US-brokered deal to end fighting in the Black Sea if some sanctions were eased.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that there is “complete clarity” on this matter, and instead of lifting sanctions, the discussion is focused on increasing them to bring Russia to the negotiating table. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned that stopping sanctions would be a “serious mistake” until peace is achieved.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also called for “more pressure” and “more packages of sanctions” on Russia, stating that all 31 countries present at the meeting supported maintaining sanctions until a just peace is achieved. Zelensky emphasized the need for unity, warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to “divide Europe and America.”
The US has announced that it will evaluate Russia’s conditions for agreeing to a partial ceasefire in the Black Sea. Meanwhile, France has proposed sending “reassurance forces” to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, which would provide long-term support and deter potential Russian aggression.
