The European Union has reaffirmed its stance on maintaining economic sanctions against Russia despite ongoing negotiations between Moscow and Washington over the revival of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that Brussels will not support a proposed maritime truce or lift any restrictions until a “just and lasting peace” is established in Ukraine.

Von der Leyen’s remarks, made during an interview with the French broadcaster LCI on March 28, reinforce the EU’s unwavering position on economic measures as a strategic tool against Russia. She emphasized that the sanctions have been effective, stating, “The sanctions are very significant; they are painful; they have an impact on the Russian economy, and they represent a powerful lever.”

On March 24, Russia and the US held discussions in Saudi Arabia to explore the possibility of restoring the Black Sea Grain Initiative, an agreement originally brokered in July 2022 by the United Nations and Türkiye. The initiative allowed for the safe passage of Ukrainian agricultural exports in return for Western commitments to ease restrictions on Russian food and fertilizer exports. However, Moscow withdrew from the deal in 2023, citing the West’s failure to uphold its........

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