EU prepares "Plan B" for sanctions against Russia if US withdraws from talks

The European Union is preparing a "plan B" to maintain economic sanctions against Russia if the US abandons peace talks on Ukraine and moves towards rapprochement with Moscow, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaia Kallas said, reports RBC-Ukraine with reference to The Guardian.

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"We see signs that they are considering whether they (the US — ed.) should leave Ukraine and not try to negotiate with the Russians, because it is difficult," said Kallas.

She said there is a "plan B" to maintain economic pressure on Russia if Hungary blocks the lifting of EU economic sanctions in July. Kallas stressed that Brussels remains committed to preserving the unity of all EU member states.

"There is also a 'plan B', but we have to work on 'plan A'. Because otherwise you focus on 'plan B' and then it will happen," she added.

US threatens to withdraw from peace talks

Recall, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently stated that the United States may withdraw from the peace process if there is no chance of a quick agreement between Ukraine and Russia in the near future.

Later, US President Donald Trump confirmed that the US could indeed withdraw from the negotiations if one of the parties obstructed peace.

At the same time, the American president also said the next few days will be very important for negotiations on resolving the war in Ukraine. The United States is putting "great pressure on Russia" to conclude a peace agreement.

And US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that next week will be crucial in reaching an agreement to end the war in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, in Europe, according to the Financial Times, there are growing fears that Trump will soon refuse to participate in peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow, using minimal progress as an excuse.

Read also on Newsky "Brussels assessed progress: Ukraine passed screening on an important chapter on the path to the EU" and look at "Boring Pence" YouTube channels.

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