- Kaja Kallas Rejects Relaxation of Pressure on Moscow as Trump Announces Russian Fuel Deal; EU Plans to Expand Sanctions
BRUSSELS, Belgium: European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Saturday warned that easing sanctions on Russian diesel would generate additional revenue for Moscow and help finance its ongoing war against Ukraine, following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an agreement for Russia to supply fuel.
“Russian strikes killed over 80 Ukrainian civilians in two days. Moreover, it has stepped up its hybrid attacks against Europe, both EU Member States and NATO allies,” Kallas said in a post on social media.
She stressed that relaxing restrictions on Russian fuel exports would undermine efforts to pressure the Kremlin over its military campaign.
“Suspending sanctions on Russian diesel provides Moscow with more revenues to wage war. This is not the time to ease pressure on Russia, and Europe won’t,” she added.
Trump announced on Friday that he had secured Russia’s agreement for a major release of diesel, as his administration eased certain sanctions on Moscow in an effort to bring down energy costs ahead of the US midterm elections.
The decision triggered a strong reaction from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while the European Union reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining and expanding economic pressure on Russia.
EU foreign ministers are scheduled to formally add approximately 1,600 individuals and entities to the bloc’s sanctions blacklist on Monday in connection with Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Separately, the European Commission called for a ceasefire arrangement that would protect critical infrastructure in both Ukraine and Russia, including facilities essential to energy supplies and global food security.
“We continue to believe that a ceasefire which would protect global food supplies and Energy Infrastructure in Ukraine and Russia is needed,” the Commission said.
The EU executive also underscored Europe’s determination to avoid renewed dependence on Russian energy resources, warning of the strategic and economic consequences of relying too heavily on Russian hydrocarbons.
“Europe knows too well the hidden costs linked to over reliance on Russian hydrocarbons, and Europe does not wish to fuel Russia’s war against Ukraine,” the Commission stated.
The latest exchanges highlight continuing differences between Washington and European capitals over the use of energy policy and economic sanctions as instruments of pressure on Moscow, as the war in Ukraine continues.
BY: The Times Union
