The European Union has not yet reached an agreement on a new package of sanctions against Russia, with several issues still outstanding, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said on Monday ahead of talks between EU foreign ministers in Brussels.
Kallas said she remained hopeful that ministers could reach a compromise allowing the bloc to expand its sanctions list by an additional 250 individuals and entities.
She described the proposed expansion as the largest sanctions listing adopted by the EU to date, adding that it would serve as a response to recent Russian attacks that have targeted civilians.
According to Kallas, ministers will begin their discussions by addressing the situation of civilians detained in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories. In addition to prisoners of war and deported children, she said teachers, journalists and other civilians continue to be held in occupied areas.
The European Union is working with Ukrainian civil society organizations to examine further measures that could support the release of detainees. Brussels is also considering the creation of a dedicated platform to collect and share information on those being held.
Kallas also noted that several member states have proposed banning trade with Israeli settlements considered illegal under international law. She said proposals put forward by the European Commission would help determine whether broader support for such a measure can be secured.
She stressed that EU member states share the view that the situation in the West Bank is unsustainable and continue to support a two-state solution, while warning that developments on the ground are making that objective increasingly difficult to achieve.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said Ukraine would remain at the centre of the ministers’ discussions and stressed the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia. He also underlined the need to uphold international law and protect the dignity of prisoners.
Prévot expressed regret that the 21st package of sanctions was unlikely to be adopted during Monday’s meeting. He said Belgium wants the European Commission to address the concerns of member states that have yet to support the package, arguing that sustained pressure on Moscow remains essential.
He added that previously adopted EU sanctions have already had a measurable impact on Russia and could contribute to influencing the country’s future actions.
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