EU ready to maintain sanctions on Russia: ‘Keep the pressure high’

Brussels – “You cannot trust Putin.” Therefore, “in the absence of a ceasefire, we will explore further sanctions” against Russia, said Anitta Hipper, spokesperson spokesperson for the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, and Paula Pinho, head of the Spokesperson’s Service of the European Commission. As Moscow continues with military operations in Ukraine, the EU will also not stop or change its approach.

The European Union intends to continue putting pressure on Russia to weaken it as much as possible and, if not force it into the negotiating path, put it in a weak negotiating position when the time comes for talks with Kyiv to end the conflict.

The Commission can always propose restrictive measures for member states to consider. The 27 member states were close to agreement on the 17th sanctions package (expected soon, perhaps as early as this week), and work is already beginning on a new, additional 18th set of new sanctions. However, some people on the Council want to go further. “We must extend the range and weight of sanctions, even with a 19th package if necessary,” said Lithuania’s Finance Minister, Rimantas Sadzius.

Economy Ministers do not have competence over sanctions against Russia. Yet, the topic also ended up at the Ecofin Council meeting. “The pressure on the aggressor must remain high and strong,” insists Sadzius, who is not the only one to discuss issues outside the working agenda. Sweden’s finance minister, Elisabeth Svantesson, also wants to keep the focus on the EU’s response to Russia’s military maneuvers: “We have to be tough on Russia,” which is why “we support the new sanctions package,” the Stockholm government official stressed. “Sanctions are working, but we need to do more.” Then, the implicit invitation to European partners: “Time is not playing in Putin’s favor; the Russian economy is getting weaker.”