For the first time in three years of the conflict in Ukraine, the European Union has openly declared its readiness to begin lifting sanctions on Russia — but only in exchange for concrete steps by Moscow toward peace. According to The Telegraph, this signal came as a result of behind-the-scenes talks between Washington and key EU capitals following the meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
What is the EU proposing?
Insider information suggests that Brussels is considering a phased lifting of restrictions — starting with sectoral sanctions (such as in agriculture or pharmaceuticals) and moving toward a full removal — if Russia:
- agrees to demilitarize frontline areas,
- provides guarantees of non-use of force against Ukraine,
- resumes negotiations under the formula of “peace in exchange for security.”
At the same time, judging by statements from Volodymyr Zelensky, Kyiv is not ready to make concessions without a full ceasefire.
Why now?
Analysts link this shift in the EU’s position to several factors:
- Sanctions fatigue — many European companies are suffering losses, and the bloc’s economy is slowing.
- Pressure from Trump — the U.S. president has apparently extracted some “preliminary agreements” from Putin, though details remain undisclosed.
- Strategic calculation — the EU recognizes that without incentives, Moscow will not move toward compromise.
Reactions
The Kremlin remains silent for now, though Putin has previously called sanctions “ineffective.”
Kyiv sharply condemned the “attempts to bargain over the victims of war.”
Washington emphasizes: “The final decision rests with Ukraine.”
What’s next?
If, on August 18, Trump, Zelensky, and EU leaders manage to agree on a common position at their Washington meeting, it could mark a turning point in the conflict. Otherwise, sanctions will remain in place and negotiations will stay deadlocked.
P.S. Experts note that even if sanctions begin to be lifted, EU–Russia relations will never return to what they were before — the losses on both sides are too great.
EU Signals No Sanctions Easing Without Real Peace — Fact-Check and Timeline
What actually happened
Europe continues sanctions pressure while exploring diplomatic off-ramps tied to verifiable de-escalation; official line: no easing without a just and lasting peace.
EU Sanctions Packages on Russia (2024–2025)
Note: cumulative count of packages; 2024–2025 steps shown.
