**EU Prepares New Sanctions on Russia**
The European Union is getting ready to impose its 17th set of sanctions on Russia. This comes as Moscow demands that some Western restrictions be lifted in exchange for a ceasefire in the Black Sea region.
**US and EU Have Different Ideas on Sanctions**
The US has agreed to help Russian food and fertilizer exports by reducing insurance costs and making it easier to access global ports and payment systems. However, President Trump said that they are also considering lifting some sanctions on Russia to secure the Black Sea ceasefire. The EU, however, is taking a different approach.
**EU Sanctions Still in Place**
Work has started on a new set of EU sanctions against Russia, but it’s still at an early stage. The European Commission will present its proposals in early summer. One diplomat said that “it’s too speculative at this point,” and the bloc will be watching how the ceasefire talks unfold.
**Ursula von der Leyen Stresses Importance of Pressuring Russia**
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that sanctions should stay in place until a just and lasting peace agreement is reached. She emphasized that “what we want is a just and lasting peace agreement. That is the goal.”
**Russia’s Conditions for Ceasefire**
For the Black Sea ceasefire to take effect, Russia demands that Western sanctions on certain financial institutions be lifted. These include Rosselkhozbank and other banks linked to food trade, as well as Russian food producers, exporters, and cargo vessels involved in agricultural trade.
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