EU pledges to maintain Russian sanctions
The West has imposed an unprecedented number of sanctions on Moscow over the Ukraine conflict. The EU adopted its 18th package last month after weeks of debate among member states. However, Sky News reported earlier this week that discussions had been held about easing the measures.
European Commission Deputy Chief Spokesperson Arianna Podesta dismissed the report as 'pure speculation,' telling a press briefing on Thursday the bloc 'will maintain pressure on Russia.' She said work was already underway on a 19th package, expected to be adopted next month.
According to the Sky News report, citing sources close to the EU Council presidency, Kiev's European backers were considering a phased rollback of sanctions if a complete ceasefire can be agreed upon.
The Kremlin has called Western sanctions a 'double-edged sword,' warning that each new package 'adds a negative effect for the countries joining it.' Moscow says it has developed 'a certain immunity' to what it describes as 'illegal' sanctions.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has urged more pressure on Moscow ahead of Friday's summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart, Donald Trump, in Alaska. The Ukraine conflict is expected to be the central topic of the talks.
Vladimir Zelensky, who earlier called the Alaska summit a 'personal victory' for Putin, traveled to Berlin on Wednesday to join German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for a video call between European leaders and Trump.
Russia has repeatedly stated that it is open to reaching a deal to end the hostilities but has stressed that any agreement would have to address the root causes of the conflict and reflect the realities on the ground. This includes the status of the former Ukrainian territories that have joined Russia.
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