Brussels has firmly rejected Russia’s demand to lift EU sanctions on a key agricultural bank as part of a partial ceasefire agreement, maintaining that restrictions will only be reconsidered upon Moscow’s full withdrawal from Ukraine.
The European Commission’s statement on Wednesday followed reports that the United States had negotiated a ceasefire deal with Russia and Ukraine concerning energy infrastructure and the Black Sea. However, the Kremlin later insisted that the agreement was contingent on lifting sanctions, particularly those affecting Rosselkhozbank, Russia’s agricultural bank, and reconnecting it to the Swift banking system.
“The end of the Russian unprovoked and unjustified aggression in Ukraine and the unconditional withdrawal of all Russian military forces from the entire territory of Ukraine would be one of the main preconditions to amend or lift sanctions,” said Anitta Hipper, European Commission spokesperson for foreign affairs.
She emphasized that the EU’s strategy remains focused on maximizing pressure on Russia through sanctions and other available measures to curb its war efforts. Brussels has also dismissed Moscow’s claims that EU-imposed sanctions have restricted food and fertilizer exports, arguing that trade in agricultural goods between Russia and third countries remains unaffected.
“The EU has consistently supported efforts to enhance global food security. EU sanctions are not targeting trade in agricultural goods, including food, grain, and fertilizers, in any way,” Hipper added.
The EU’s firm stance is expected to reassure Ukraine, which has been facing mounting pressure from Washington to consider concessions to expedite an end to Russia’s full-scale invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated that Western sanctions must remain in place until the Kremlin ceases its military aggression.
In his Tuesday evening address, Zelenskyy accused Russia of distorting the details of the ceasefire negotiations. He rejected claims that maritime ceasefire arrangements were linked to sanctions relief for Russia’s agricultural sector, calling them another instance of Kremlin misinformation.
“The Russians have already started to manipulate,” Zelenskyy stated. “They are trying to distort agreements and deceive our mediators and the whole world.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded by asserting that Moscow’s current demands mirrored provisions from the 2022 Black Sea deal brokered by the United Nations and Turkey. He argued that Russia had upheld its commitments in that agreement, but its concerns had not been addressed, leading to its withdrawal from the pact in 2023.
“Of course, this time justice should win out, and we will continue our work with the Americans,” Peskov remarked.
