The European Union has made it clear that Russia must fully withdraw from Ukraine before any sanctions on Moscow can be lifted, in a sharp rebuke to US President Donald Trump’s hopes of striking a quick ceasefire deal.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the European Commission reiterated its stance that the cessation of Russia’s “unprovoked and unjustified aggression” in Ukraine, along with the unconditional withdrawal of all Russian military forces from Ukrainian territory, would be essential preconditions for any changes to the sanctions regime.
The remarks came after President Trump appeared to make significant headway in negotiations with Russian officials during marathon talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, where he agreed to Russian demands for the lifting of international sanctions in exchange for a partial truce in the Black Sea.
The White House also signalled that Ukraine might be asked to cede territory to Russia as part of a final peace settlement, a proposal swiftly rejected by European leaders.
A European Commission spokesman underscored the EU’s firm position: “The end of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and the full withdrawal of Russian forces are fundamental conditions before any sanctions can be amended or lifted,” the official said.
This development casts a shadow over President Trump’s diplomatic efforts, which have largely excluded European and Ukrainian leaders from the negotiating table.
With sanctions imposed by the EU and the UK since Russia’s invasion in 2022, any attempt to remove them will require unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states – a formidable challenge given the bloc’s unwavering support for Kyiv.
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Rising Tensions: Kyiv and Europe’s Diverging Views on Peace Talks
Kyiv remains resolute in its demand for the return of Russian-occupied territories, but it is facing increasing pressure from Washington to soften its position and compromise on its territorial integrity and NATO ambitions.
European officials, however, have firmly rejected the notion of sidelining Ukraine and Europe from the peace talks. There is growing concern that Trump’s push for a quick ceasefire, without consulting European allies, could undermine long-standing EU and NATO unity.
Some diplomats have expressed frustration with Washington’s approach. One EU diplomat remarked, “For an administration that seems to consider Europe useless and pathetic, they sure need a lot of our help to make a half-baked ‘peace deal’ with the Russians work.”
In the UK, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has indicated that Britain remains committed to maintaining sanctions. A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that the UK government was “hopeful of progress” in the negotiations, but would not comment on any potential easing of sanctions.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU has adopted an unprecedented series of sanctions targeting key sectors of the Russian economy, including energy, agriculture, and transport. The 16th sanctions package was implemented earlier this month, and EU leaders have reiterated their resolve to keep these measures in place until Russia fully withdraws from Ukrainian territory.
Russia’s Demands: Sanctions and Swift Access
During the talks in Saudi Arabia, Russia outlined a series of conditions for a ceasefire, including the lifting of sanctions on food, fertiliser, and shipping, as well as the return of its access to the SWIFT international payment system. These demands were seen as an attempt to leverage the negotiations in its favour.
Russia’s exports to Europe, particularly in energy, were once a significant component of its economy, and the Kremlin has been keen to regain access to European markets. However, European diplomats have been cautious, with many expressing scepticism about Moscow’s true intentions.
Zelensky: Sanctions Must Remain
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has strongly opposed any moves to lift sanctions in exchange for a ceasefire, arguing that doing so would reward Russia’s continued aggression. Speaking in Paris on Wednesday, he said, “Sanctions will remain and may be increased. Russia is not ready to end its war.”
Zelensky called on Ukraine’s allies to remain steadfast in their support and not to succumb to Russian pressure. “We have shown our resilience to everyone, and now it’s very important that our partners be resilient and strong, at least at the minimum, as we are,” he said, adding that Russia’s actions on the ground were inconsistent with its professed desire for peace.
In a joint press conference with Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron condemned Russia’s continued attacks on Ukrainian territory, including strikes on civilian targets. “Russia continues to strike intensely on Ukrainian territory, including civilian targets. These strikes, we condemn them,” Macron said, stressing the need for continued pressure on Moscow.
Sanctions Evasion Concerns
Meanwhile, reports surfaced on Wednesday suggesting that Russian companies, including major fertiliser producers, are finding ways to bypass international sanctions. According to Bloomberg, tens of thousands of tons of nitric acid and other chemicals used in explosives have been ordered by entities controlled by JSC Spetskhimiya, one of Russia’s largest manufacturers of explosives. These shipments have largely escaped the scope of sanctions and are believed to be helping fuel Russia’s war effort.
As the situation continues to evolve, European leaders have warned that any attempt to undermine the sanctions framework would be seen as a betrayal of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
With the conflict showing no signs of easing, the EU’s position remains clear: there will be no compromise on sanctions until Russia fully withdraws from Ukraine, and Europe will not allow Moscow to dictate the terms of peace.
