EU Sanctions Relief Hinges on Russian Withdrawal from Ukraine

The European Commission emphasizes that any relief from EU sanctions against Russia requires a complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. Despite separate US agreements with Russia and Ukraine, the EU calls for actions over words to end Russian aggression and considers adjustments to tariffs on agricultural imports.

The European Commission has made it clear that the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine is a fundamental condition for lifting or altering EU sanctions. Although the U.S. recently negotiated separate deals with Ukraine and Russia to halt attacks at sea and on energy targets, the EU has reiterated its stance, emphasizing that any sanction relief will depend on tangible actions from Russia.

The EU was not part of these bilateral talks initiated by Washington, though it expressed support for the agreement between the U.S. and Kyiv. Anitta Hipper, spokeswoman for EU foreign affairs, stated that ending the 'unprovoked and unjustified aggression' and the full removal of Russian military presence in Ukraine is crucial for any alteration in sanctions policy.

Russia claims that the U.S. has agreed to aid in lifting certain Western sanctions impacting food, fertilizer, and shipping companies, essential for a maritime security arrangement in the Black Sea. The European Commission clarified that while they do not target agricultural products, prohibitive tariffs on grains from Russia and Belarus are in place, with discussions on further tariffs ongoing. The EU requires consensus from its 27 member states to modify sanctions frameworks, which were renewed for six months in January and again this month.

(With inputs from agencies.)