The issue of extending sanctions against Russia remains one of the main topics on the European Union's agenda. After a meeting of the EU foreign ministers, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, emphasized that the restrictive measures should remain in place while work continues on their further extension. > "We need this stability for the sanctions to remain in place for a longer time," Kallas stated. According to her, sanctions remain one of the key tools of EU policy following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Meanwhile, Brussels is already preparing the next package of restrictive measures. The statement came at a time when EU countries are trying to find a compromise on extending the sanctions regime. At the same time, negotiations continue regarding the possible removal of Russian businessmen Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Friedman from the sanctions lists. According to Reuters, the discussed scheme involves lifting sanctions from the two entrepreneurs in exchange for extending restrictive measures against nearly three thousand Russian individuals and entities for three years instead of the traditional six or twelve months. However, there is no final agreement yet. The process was halted after Latvia opposed the proposed compromise. Negotiations among EU countries are ongoing. This issue is important because decisions on sanctions in the European Union are made unanimously. The objection of even one country prevents the approval of a common package of restrictive measures. Kallas also stated that Europe is facing an increase in sabotage attacks and airspace violations, linking this to Moscow's attempts to increase pressure on European countries. > "Moscow is trying to intimidate Europe into reducing its support for Ukraine," the head of European diplomacy said. In her opinion, the response should be further strengthening of economic pressure. > "The Russian economy is one of Russia's most vulnerable spots," Kallas emphasized. While negotiations continue, European diplomats are striving to find a solution that will maintain the sanctions regime and avoid its automatic termination after the expiration of the current term.
