The European Union (EU) has informed Russia that sanctions imposed due to its actions in Ukraine will remain in place until Russian military forces are fully withdrawn from Ukrainian territory.
This response follows recent discussions where Russia reportedly sought relief from sanctions as part of a maritime ceasefire agreement regarding Ukraine.
Earlier, the United States had announced that Russia and Ukraine agreed to eliminate military force usage in the Black Sea following talks held separately in Saudi Arabia.
However, Russia has stipulated that the maritime ceasefire’s commencement hinges upon receiving sanctions relief, specifically related to agricultural exports. Former President Donald Trump indicated that the U.S. was reviewing these Russian conditions, potentially leading to the first major easing of sanctions since the 2022 invasion.
In a statement released and reported by Reuters on Wednesday, the EU emphasized:
“The end of the Russian war with Ukraine and unconditional withdrawal of all Russian military forces from the entire territory of Ukraine would be one of the main preconditions to amend or lift sanctions.”
The spokesperson further stated, “Russia must now demonstrate genuine political will to end its illegal and unprovoked war of aggression.”
She concluded firmly by noting, “experience has shown that Russia must be judged by its actions, not by its words.”
 has informed Russia that sanctions imposed due to its actions in Ukraine will remain in place until Russian military forces are fully withdrawn from Ukrainian territory.){kind=link}