EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says she cannot guarantee when the EU’s 21st sanctions package against Russia will be agreed, but insists her goal is for the package to remain strong.
Speaking after the Foreign Affairs Council, Kallas says ambassadors will continue work on the package, but stresses that “until everything is agreed, nothing is agreed.” She refuses to say which measures may be removed or kept during negotiations.
Kallas links the urgency of sanctions to Russia’s continued attacks on civilians, especially in heavily populated areas. She says ministers were angry at the International Olympic Committee’s decision to invite Russian athletes back to international competitions, warning that it appears to reward Moscow while Russia is killing civilians in Ukraine.
Her message is clear: Russia must face stronger pressure, the EU must not weaken its response, and international sport must not be used to normalise aggression.
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