Official: EU stays out of sanctions relief talks with Trump over Russia ceasefire agreement

EU’s top sanctions official David O’Sullivan has said that the EU has not engaged in discussions with the Trump administration regarding any potential sanctions relief for Russia as part of a ceasefire agreement.

“We have not yet had any discussion with the Americans about the issue of sanctions,” EU’s top sanctions official David O’Sullivan said, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

He added that Washington has not yet made contact to discuss Russia's requests for sanction relief, which is a major condition for the temporary ceasefire deal that Trump officials are seeking.

O'Sullivan said that Brussels views the conditions for easing sanctions as a "critical leverage" in negotiations with Moscow.

The EU special representative advocated for a "gradual approach" in using this leverage as part of the process to negotiate a peace agreement. 

On March 25, the Kremlin issued a statement following expert consultations with Washington. The sides agreed to implement the Black Sea Initiative, which includes ensuring the security of shipping routes. In return, the US is expected to assist Russia in restoring its agricultural product and fertilizer exports to global markets. The agreements between Russia and the US regarding the Black Sea will come into effect once sanctions are lifted from Russian Agricultural Bank and other banks facilitating agricultural exports. There are also several other conditions involved. European countries were not involved in the negotiations.

By Naila Huseynova