Kaja Kallas: no lifting of sanctions until Russia-Ukraine talks 

Andrea Calvello
Credit: REUTERS/Johanna Geron

Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas noted that the EU will not discard sanctions against Russia ahead of discussions between Moscow and Kyiv.

European High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy has indicated that sanctions against Russia, which have been inflicted on them, will not be discarded before actual talks between the two parties- Moscow and Kyiv. Kaja Kallas emphasised that sanctions are an influential pressure tool in negotiations concerning the end of the armed confrontation.

She explained that ditching sanctions would weaken the European Union’s function in the negotiations. Sanctions remain a critical pressure instrument in negotiations to end the conflict.

“Things haven’t changed. (Russian President Vladimir) Putin hasn’t changed his goals, and nothing has changed on the ground. So there is no basis for lifting the sanctions,” said Kallas.

Current status of sanctions:

The European Union has been continuously imposing sanctions on Russia ever since the start of the invasion of Ukraine Russia in February 2022, large-scale. On 16 December 2024, the European Union passed its resolution on the 15th Sanctions Package meant to target Russia.

Mainly, this is a result of restricting efforts by Russia so that it may not continue engaging in war with Ukraine. There are additional asset freezes and individual sanctions on entities and individuals related to the Russian military-industrial complex.

A significant number of further asset freezes were imposed against individuals and entities supporting Russia’s military actions. The EU extended certain derogations required for EU companies to disinvest from Russia until December 31, 2025, to ensure an orderly exit from the Russian market. New rules prohibit the recognition or enforcement of judgments handed down by Russian courts that impose sanctions on Western firms.

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Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
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Andrea Calvello is a Journalist at Brussels Morning News. He is covering European Politics, European Parliament, European Council, European Commission and Europe News. He is a highly accomplished journalist and digital specialist with a wealth of experience in the media industry. He holds a Master's degree in Business Administration with a focus on marketing and digital transformation, as well as an Executive Master in Human Resources Management, Development, and Administration. Additionally, he has completed a specialization course in advertising communication, marketing, and Made in Italy communication and digital technologies. Calvello is also a member of the National Order of Journalists and has had a successful career as a TV journalist, bringing his expertise in marketing and digital communication to the world of television broadcasting. His diverse skill set and passion for innovation have set him apart as a dynamic and influential figure in the field of media and communications.
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