EU rejects speculation about possible easing of sanctions against Russia

The European Union will not change its sanctions policy towards Russia and will continue to apply pressure through new sanctions, EU spokesperson Arianna Podesta told journalists, Report informs.

According to her, the European Commission rejects rumors that the sanctions could be revised if a ceasefire is reached.

"Europe will maintain pressure on Russia. We have already adopted 18 sanctions packages and are working on the 19th. We hope that we will be able to adopt it next month," Podesta said.

"We know that sanctions work and we will continue to apply them. Everything else is pure speculation. The reality is that Europe continues to maintain full pressure on Russia," she added.

According to her, the sanctions are part of a broader EU effort to support Ukraine, along with military aid and investments in the defense industry. Podesta stressed that the purpose of these measures is to "put Ukraine in a position of strength in negotiations with Russia, if and when they take place" and "guarantee its ability to defend itself in the long term."

Brussels believes that the sanctions regime is already causing significant damage to the Russian economy. As an example, EU representatives point to a decrease in revenues from energy exports, restrictions on access to Western technology, as well as problems in the logistics and financial sector of the Russian Federation.

According to the European Commission, sanctions are being strengthened in stages - with an emphasis on bypass schemes and sectors critical to waging war. Earlier, there were media updates that some EU countries are considering revising their sanctions policy in exchange for Moscow's steps to cease fire in Ukraine.