Russia will hurt secondary sanctions the most. Kallas replies if the EU will follow the USA

Russia will hurt all energy sanctions and secondary sanctions that were imposed, for example, Americans – said on Friday the head of EU diplomacy Kaja Kallas in the context of another sanction package on Moscow.

Kallas opened a meeting of the Defense Ministers of the EU countries in Copenhagen on Friday. As she said, the topic of the conversation will be how to increase pressure on Russia to make her room.

She emphasized that the last attacks on Ukraine, as a result of which the EU representation in Kiev was also damaged, show that “Putin kpi from all efforts to peace” – So we have to increase pressure on Russia, because they only understand it – pressure.

As she said, work on the 19th Sanction Package is ongoing. – There are several options on the table. Of course, All energy sanctions and secondary sanctions that the Americans imposed, for example. But also (sanctions at – PAP) financial services, which really hinder their access to capital, which they desperately need now – noted the head of EU diplomacy.

On Wednesday, secondary sanctions imposed by the United States entered into force in connection with the Russian oil bought by this country. Goods exported from India to the USA have been covered at an additional customs rate of 25 percent. (This means that American duties on Indian goods are a total of 50 percent).

Kallas, asked if she sees an appetite in the EU to join secondary sanctions imposed by the United States, replied that the European Commission always puts various proposals on the table and then “we must communicate”.

She added that at a meeting of defense ministers, security guarantees that would be granted to Ukraine would be discussed. – When we talk about the European Union, our contribution to security guarantees would include a training mission, a military mission, as well as support for Ukraine's defense industry – said the head of EU diplomacy.

– We will discuss today how to change the mandate of all these missions so that they are ready after the conclusion of a peace agreement. Of course, each Member State decides what it does or how it contributes to a security guarantee – she said.

The meeting of defense ministers takes place in Copenhagen in connection with the Danish leadership in the EU Council in the second half of 2025.

From Copenhagen Magdalena Cedro (PAP)

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