If Russia continues shelling Ukraine, peace talks cannot be held. This was stated by a spokesman for the European Commission today during a press conference in response to journalistic questions, BTA reports.
He stressed that the European Union will increase pressure on Moscow, including through a new package of sanctions, which may also affect the “Nord Stream“ gas pipeline. Adding it to the sanctions list would send a clear signal that investments in the project are not appropriate, the spokesman added.
The additional sanctions are expected to be considered and possibly approved by the foreign ministers of the member states, who will meet three times by the end of the month.
“In recent years, we have been closely coordinating with the US on sanctions against Russia. We are striving to secure Washington's support for any new measure“, said the EC representative. He added that the pressure on the Kremlin must continue, as “President Vladimir Putin cannot be trusted“.
The spokesman stressed that a ceasefire is a key prerequisite for starting peace talks. The European Union supports the proposal for an unconditional 30-day cessation of hostilities, which comes into effect today. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has already accepted this proposal - an official response from Russia is now expected.
“Zelensky is once again taking a step towards peace negotiations. It remains to be seen whether Putin will accept a meeting with him,“ the spokesman concluded.