Kaja Kallas: EU must keep sanctions on Russia unchanged

The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, on Monday called on EU member states to keep the sanctions policy against Russia unchanged, as discussions continue on lifting some measures against two Russian oligarchs.

Sanctions against Russia remain at the “heart” of Brussels’ policy to pressure Moscow to end the war in Ukraine, Kallas said during a press conference on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

“Some member states have asked for certain individuals to be removed from the list, and for this reason talks are currently underway,” explained the European Commission’s vice president and head of the European External Action Service.

She expressed her expectation that the talks conclude as soon as possible.

“We definitely need stability, which means these sanctions will remain in force longer. This is why we are working on a new package of sanctions,” she added.