Kallas: This is not the time to ease pressure on Moscow

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas cautioned on Monday against easing pressure on Moscow during a press conference in Luxembourg. Speaking following the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, she emphasized that a large expansion of sanctions targeting Russia's military-industrial complex was approved by EU ministers.

Kallas highlighted that almost 1,600 new sanctions listings are now in place, marking the largest expansion since the start of Russia's war against Ukraine. She noted that more than half of these sanctions focus on the ballistic missile production chain, making the process of producing weapons for Ukraine more challenging, slower, and more expensive.

Regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestion for an energy truce, Kallas stated that EU ministers agreed to pause strikes on energy infrastructure between Ukraine and Russia, provided Moscow adheres to the agreement. However, she stressed that a ceasefire can only succeed if both sides comply. Kallas and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha discussed the latest developments and Ukraine's immediate needs.

They agreed that air defense remains a priority, and the EU will allocate extra funds for drones and missiles this week.

Kallas commended Ukraine's adoption of laws regarding the educational rights of minorities by the Verkhovna Rada. She expressed her pleasure at the pending adoption of laws to establish two clusters as part of accession negotiations, affirming that Ukraine's future lies within the EU. Kallas also noted the positive outlook from EU member states regarding a smooth continuation of accession talks tomorrow.