EU: Lifting sanctions on Russia requires ‘unconditional withdrawal’ from Ukraine

The European Commission stated on Wednesday that the unconditional withdrawal of all Russian forces from Ukraine would be a key condition for any amendment or removal of EU sanctions against Moscow.

The announcement comes after the United States brokered separate agreements with Ukraine and Russia on Tuesday, aimed at pausing attacks on energy infrastructure and maritime targets. As part of the deal, Washington pledged to push for lifting certain sanctions on Moscow.

The EU was not invited to these negotiations but expressed support for the agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine.

“The end of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression in Ukraine, along with 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 EU foreign affairs spokeswoman Anitta Hipper.

Meanwhile, Russia claimed that the U.S. agreed to work toward lifting sanctions on Russian food, fertilizer, and shipping companies as part of a Black Sea maritime security deal.