Source: APKinform (Ukraine)
A key prerequisite for modifying or removing the European Union’s sanctions against Russia is the halt of hostilities and the “unconditional withdrawal” of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory. This information was shared by Anita Hipper, the European Commission’s representative for foreign affairs, during an interview with the Financial Times, as reported by RBC.
Her comments came in response to the announcement of agreements made among the United States, Ukraine, and Russia on March 25 in Riyadh. The White House mentioned that an agreement had been established regarding safe navigation in the Black Sea and expressed its willingness to assist Moscow in “restoring access to the global market for agricultural exports and fertilizers.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that while Ukraine consented to the first point, it rejected the second, viewing it as a means to undermine sanctions. Russia indicated its agreement with the United States to carry out the Black Sea Initiative – aimed at ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea – contingent upon the lifting of restrictions affecting Rosselkhozbank, agricultural machinery supplies, ship maintenance, the operations of insurance companies, and agricultural producers. Additionally, it is important to note that most of these restrictions are associated with the European Union.
Hipper emphasized that the EU’s primary objective remains to apply maximum pressure on Russia through all available means, including sanctions, in order to diminish its capacity to conduct war against Ukraine.
Furthermore, she stated that the EU “steadfastly backs efforts to enhance global food security” and clarified that European sanctions “are not aimed at hindering trade in agricultural products, such as food, grain, and fertilizers, between Russia and third countries.”