EU rejects Russia's conditions for easing sanctions for a ceasefire at sea

The European Union has rejected Russia's demand to lift sanctions as part of a partial ceasefire agreement in the Black Sea. It writes liga.net with reference to the Financial Times.

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The sanctions regime will remain in force until the "unconditional withdrawal" of Russian troops from Ukraine, said Anitta Gipper, the representative of the European Commission for Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday.

"The EU's main task remains, as before, maximum pressure on Russia, using all available tools, including sanctions, to limit Russia's ability to wage war against Ukraine," said Gipper.

The Commission also rejected Russia's accusation that EU sanctions against Russia have restricted the export of food and fertilizers to poor countries.

"The EU consistently supports efforts to strengthen global food security. The EU sanctions are in no way aimed at trade in agricultural goods, including food, grain and fertilizers, between Russia and third countries," the European Commission representative emphasized.

The day before, the United States announced that it had agreed with Russia and Ukraine to stop attacks in the Black Sea and intended to help Russia restore access to the world market for the export of agricultural products and fertilizers.

The Kremlin, in turn, stated that the agreement depends on the lifting of sanctions, in particular those imposed against Rosselkhozbank, and its reconnection to the global SWIFT system.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called these conditions of the Russian Federation a relaxation of sanctions and accused the Kremlin of manipulation.

US President Donald Trump said the US was considering Russia's terms for implementing a Black Sea "quiet" agreement, and acknowledged that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin was probably trying to delay a full ceasefire with Ukraine.

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