EU says sanctions on Russia could be lifted if troops "unconditionally" withdraw from Ukraine

According to Reuters, during a speech on March 26, EU spokeswoman for foreign affairs and security policy, Anitta Hipper, emphasized that the EU would extend two sets of sanctions against Russia for another six months, thus confirming its stance on Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

"The end of the Russian unprovoked and unjustified aggression in Ukraine and unconditional withdrawal of all Russian military forces from the entire territory of Ukraine would be one of the main preconditions to amend or lift sanctions," said the European Commission representative.

Altering sanctions requires the agreement of all 27 EU member states. This complicates the lifting of restrictions, as each member has the right to veto.

Meanwhile, the United States has signed separate agreements with Ukraine and Russia to cease attacks on sea and energy facilities. Washington agreed to help lift some sanctions against Moscow in exchange for reaching an agreement on maritime security in the Black Sea.

In response to these statements, Russia said that the U.S. had agreed to assist in lifting several Western sanctions, including those on food products, fertilizers, and maritime transport. Most of these restrictions relate to EU sanctions, diplomats told Reuters.