The European Union has agreed to lift or amend sanctions if Russia withdraws all forces from Ukraine, according to a statement from the European Commission.
This comes after the U.S. has separate talks with Ukraine and Russia where they requested help to lift a series of western sanctions and restrictions on food, fertiliser and shipping companies as preconditions for a maritime security deal in the Black Sea.
In particular, Russia wanted restrictions removed from the state-owned agricultural lender Rosselkhozbank.
While the White House did not mention lifting sanctions as part of the proposed Black Sea ceasefire plan in a statement post-conversation, it was noted that they would help restore Russia’s access to the world market for agriculture.
In response, the Commission said the EU welcomed the agreement between the U.S. and Russia, as long as they can meet their terms.
"The end of the Russian unprovoked and unjustified aggression in Ukraine and 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," EU spokeswoman for foreign affairs and security policy, Anita Hipper said.
Hipper continued and said that they would judge Russia on their actions rather than their words.
"Russia must now demonstrate genuine political will to end its illegal and unprovoked war of aggression," she said.
Since 2022, the EU have slammed Russia with many sanctions to increase financial pressure on Moscow amid the invasion of Ukraine.
Related content
