Following announcements from the White House regarding a ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and other parties in the Black Sea, the EU has made its position clear on the conditions for considering the lifting of sanctions imposed on Moscow. Russia announced yesterday (25.03.2025) that the U.S. had agreed to assist in lifting several Western sanctions and restrictions on food, fats, and shipping companies. The European Commission responded to Russia’s side today (26.03.2025). Specifically, the representative of the European Commission emphasized that the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine would be one of the main conditions for lifting or modifying the European Union’s sanctions against Moscow. Any changes to the sanctions require unanimity among the 27 member countries. “The cessation of the unjustified and unprovoked attack on Ukraine and the unconditional withdrawal of all Russian military forces from Ukrainian territory will be one of the key conditions for modifying or lifting the sanctions,” stated the Commission representative. Diplomats told Reuters that most of the Kremlin’s requests concern sanctions and restrictions imposed by the European Union against Moscow.