In a firm stance against the Trump administration’s efforts to lift sanctions on Russia, European leaders have declared that now is not the time to ease pressure on Moscow.
This comes after a demand from Russia, which stated it would only agree to a US-brokered deal to end the ongoing conflict in the Black Sea if some of the sanctions imposed on Russian banks and exports were lifted.
During a summit held on March 27 in Paris, the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany made it clear that Europe would not back down from its current position on sanctions.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that “now is not the time for lifting sanctions” and highlighted that the coalition of European nations is focused on increasing pressure on Russia, not easing it.
Starmer also noted the meeting was constructive, involving more than 30 countries, including NATO officials and Ukraine’s European allies.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz echoed the sentiment, calling an end to sanctions a “serious mistake.”
He argued that lifting sanctions would be premature until peace is achieved, adding that the conflict is far from over.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also weighed in, calling for “more pressure” on Russia and insisting that no sanctions should be lifted until the war concludes with a just peace.
READ ALSO: Suspect Identified in Memphis Shooting That Left Sayso P Dead and Sauce Walka Injured
Zelensky’s comments followed a recent agreement between Russia and Ukraine to end fighting in the Black Sea, which Moscow quickly conditioned on the lifting of some sanctions.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the United States is evaluating Russia’s demands, but European allies remain steadfast in their refusal to ease sanctions.
As the situation remains tense, French President Emmanuel Macron floated the idea of deploying “reassurance forces” to Ukraine should a ceasefire be reached.
While some European leaders expressed support for this concept, others, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, stressed the importance of the United Nations playing a role in enforcing any ceasefire, though Italy would not participate in any military deployment.
The growing divisions between European leaders and the Trump administration highlight the ongoing complexities of the international response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
