EU Confirms Effectiveness of Sanctions on Russia, Calls for Continued Pressure to End War

Brussels, October 21 (KUNA) -- EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stressed on Wednesday the importance of continuing economic pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine, expressing regret over the US administration’s decision to exempt Moscow from sanctions and tariffs stipulated in the Lindsey Graham Act. Speaking before the European Parliament, Kallas said that sanctions have helped drain Russia’s financial resources and deprived Moscow of more than one trillion euros that could have been directed toward funding the war, emphasizing the need to coordinate economic efforts with international partners and allies. She noted that the European Union continues to strengthen its punitive measures against Russia, pointing out that recent actions by the bloc have affected more than 1,600 individuals and entities linked to the war, while work is underway on a new package targeting Russian revenue sources, including the energy, banking, and shadow fleet sectors. In the same context, Kallas said that Ukraine has expressed readiness to halt attacks on energy infrastructure and reach arrangements in the Black Sea, but Russia failed to comply with the first ceasefire and rejected the second, according to her. She stressed the necessity of increasing pressure on Moscow to push it into serious negotiations leading to a just and lasting peace, warning that backing down in the face of aggression could encourage its repetition. She called for continued coordination between the European Union and the United States and for maintaining sanctions until the war ends. (End) A.R.N. / M.A.K.