**EU Sanctions Must Go for Russia to Stop Fighting in Ukraine**
The European Union says it will only lift sanctions on Russian agricultural exports if Moscow withdraws its forces from Ukraine. This was stated by EU spokesperson, Ms. Hipper.
Ms. Hipper said that the EU’s sanctions do not affect Russia’s trade with other countries, including food and fertilizers. She emphasized that lifting the sanctions would require Russia to leave Ukraine completely.
**Black Sea Ceasefire Deal**
Recently, Ukraine, Russia, and the US agreed on a ceasefire in the Black Sea area. This was part of a deal reached after two days of talks in Riyadh on March 25. The agreement also includes a ban on attacks on energy infrastructure. However, unlike Russia, Ukraine and the US did not link this deal to sanctions relief.
**US Help for Russian Food Exports**
The US has agreed to help make it easier for Russia to export food and fertilizers by reducing insurance costs and giving them better access to ports and payment systems. In the past, former US President Donald Trump said that Washington might lift some sanctions on Russia to secure a Black Sea ceasefire.
**Russia’s Demands**
Moscow insists that the Black Sea ceasefire will only happen if Western countries lift their sanctions on Russian banks and companies linked to food trade. The Kremlin is also demanding the removal of sanctions on Russian food producers, exporters, and cargo vessels involved in agricultural trade.
**EU Sanctions Framework**
The EU has imposed economic restrictions on over 2,400 individuals and entities tied to Russia as part of its sanctions framework.