Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has called for pressure on Russia to be increased, not eased, following the recent escalation in the Middle East.
In a post on X, he stated:
“RSoaring energy prices as a result of the Middle East escalation increase the risk of Russian aggression escalating in Europe. To mitigate this impact, pressure on Russia should not be reduced but rather increased sharply.”
Sybiha emphasized that tankers of Russia’s shadow fleet should not only be stopped but also confiscated, individual sanctions should be expanded, and he called for a ban on entry for Russian fighters across the EU.
He added, “The 20th EU sanctions package must be adopted without delay, and any blackmail by separate member states on unrelated issues must be stopped with decisive action.”
The Foreign Minister explained that sanctions against Russia are more than just support for Ukraine or a show of solidarity with Ukrainians. The EU imposes them to protect itself, countering Russia’s aggressive military machine, which threatens every European family.
The same logic, he noted, applies to the €90 billion credit for Ukraine – it is not charity but an investment in countering Russian aggression and supporting peace in Europe.
“All of these steps are critical strategic security issues for all of Europe, and they are urgent,” Sybiha stressed.
