Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reported on a productive meeting with the new head of European Union diplomacy, Kaia Kallas, which took place on June 12 in Rome. During the negotiations, the main focus was on the situation at the front, peace initiatives, and the current needs of Ukraine.
This is reported by Kyiv24
New Sanctions Package and Increased Support for Ukraine
Sybiha noted that the parties agreed to coordinate actions to further increase pressure on Russia, particularly through the preparation of the 18th EU sanctions package. In addition, steps were discussed to increase military assistance to Ukraine, including the supply of two million artillery shells.
Particular attention was given to the issue of the return of Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to the Russian Federation. Sybiha emphasized that the European Union remains a reliable partner in this process and expressed gratitude for the support. He also announced the participation of the Ukrainian delegation in the upcoming meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.
EU’s Position on Sanctions and Russia’s Behavior
During the meeting in the “Weimar+” format in the Italian capital, Kaia Kallas emphasized the increase in Russian shelling of Ukrainian territory and the need for new restrictions. She stressed that Russia’s response depends solely on the strength of the international community, not on empty statements or negotiations.
“Although Russia is dangerous, we all know this, its behavior is also predictable. This means that Russia responds to strength and nothing else – neither to empty slogans nor to conversations. That is why we are proposing a new sanctions package,” she said.
Kallas also highlighted the economic losses for Russia due to sanctions and emphasized the need to limit financial inflows to the aggressor’s army in order to stop the war.
On June 10, the European Commission presented the 18th sanctions package against Russia. The new measures include restrictions on the energy and financial sectors, a ban on transactions for “Nord Stream-1” and “Nord Stream-2,” as well as a reduction of the maximum price for oil from $60 to $45 per barrel.