Peskov: Europe blocking peace process by not lifting sanctions on Russia

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Europe's refusal to lift sanctions on Moscow shows a lack of interest in peace, in response to questions about the Black Sea grain deal.

According to Peskov, a key component of the Black Sea initiative is the removal of sanctions on Russia's banking institution that handles agricultural trade payments, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

"The essence of these restrictions is crystal clear," he stated. "If European countries refuse to follow this path, it means they do not want peace and are not willing to align with efforts made by both Moscow and Washington to return to a peaceful course."

Peskov reminded reporters that the terms of the Black Sea initiative were established in the first deal, which was guaranteed by the United Nations.

"The initiative worked, and all obligations were fulfilled, except for those concerning Russia. These have not been met," he said, highlighting the ongoing issue.

He concluded by stressing that Russia's conditions remain well-known to all parties involved. "Nothing new has emerged since then," Peskov added.

Note that, at a Paris summit, European leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and agreed that sanctions against Russia should remain in place until peace is "clearly established." French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that all attending heads of state and government, including Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, were unanimous in their stance. The meeting was held amid concerns over potential changes in US policy, particularly Donald Trump’s stance on sanctions.

Macron emphasised that Ukraine's offer of a 30-day unconditional ceasefire had not received a positive response from Moscow, with Russia instead posing new conditions for a limited ceasefire.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reinforced the need for tougher sanctions to increase economic pressure on Russia, accusing President Vladimir Putin of stalling negotiations and playing for time.

By Aghakazim Guliyev