The European Union will not lift sanctions against Russia until Moscow ends its war of aggression against Ukraine.
Paula Pinho, the European Commission’s chief spokesperson, said this during a briefing in Brussels, Ukrinform reports.
The European Commission spokesperson was asked whether the US side had discussed with the EU a proposal to purchase Russian gas as part of a possible settlement of Russia’s war against Ukraine, and whether the Commission rules out a return to importing Russian gas.
In response, Pinho recalled the European Council’s conclusions, which expressed regret over the earlier US decision to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian diesel fuel.
“We remain firm in our position. Let me reiterate: the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stated clearly last week, ahead of the European Council meeting, confirming that we will not lift any sanctions until Russia ends the war. So the position has been set out entirely unambiguously,” the spokesperson said.
She also reaffirmed the EU’s position that co-ordinated sanctions by Europe and the United States could play a decisive role in bringing the war to an end.
- On 16 October, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order repealing new large-scale sanctions against Russia предусмотренные by legislation named after the late US Senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch supporter of Ukraine’s defence.
- He also temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian diesel fuel, allowing it to be supplied to global markets in order to bring down fuel prices ahead of the US midterm elections on 3 November.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the economic impact of the restrictions would be assessed over 60 days.