US 'Black Sea Ceasefire Proposal' Faces EU Opposition… "Russia Must Withdraw for Sanctions Relief"

EU Likely to Continue Grain Tariffs

27 Countries' Agreement Needed to Lift Sanctions

France "€2 Billion Support for Ukraine"

Russia has demanded 'sanctions relief' as a precondition for the partial ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine, brokered by the United States. The European Union (EU) has firmly stated that withdrawal from Ukraine is a priority, drawing a line against Russia's demands. Obstacles are expected before the partial ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine is actually implemented.

According to foreign media on the 26th (local time), Anita Hipper, EU spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, stated in a position paper that "ending Russia's provocative and unjust aggression in Ukraine and unconditionally withdrawing all Russian troops is a precondition for lifting sanctions." Spokesperson Hipper welcomed the partial ceasefire agreement but emphasized that "Russia must show genuine political will to end the illegal and unjustified war of aggression."

The previous day, Russia and Ukraine each held high-level talks with the United States, agreeing to halt the war in the Black Sea and suspend mutual attacks on energy infrastructure for 30 days. Ukraine demanded an immediate partial ceasefire, but Russia insisted that Western sanctions on agricultural products and fertilizer exports must be lifted first for the partial ceasefire to be implemented. The United States also expressed its willingness to assist Russia, foreshadowing further conflicts among the EU, Ukraine, Russia, and the United States.

There are also criticisms that Russia is deliberately delaying the ceasefire by presenting conditions unacceptable to Ukraine and Europe. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that "U.S. President Donald Trump also acknowledged the possibility that Russia might be deliberately delaying the ceasefire negotiations." President Trump admitted in an interview the previous day that "the Kremlin might be dragging out the ceasefire negotiations," acknowledging some setbacks in the ceasefire and peace agreement he pushed for. According to the BBC, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the United States to increase pressure on Russia to implement the ceasefire.

The EU is unlikely to accommodate Russia's demands. The sanctions mentioned by Russia are largely related to EU measures, and lowering the level of sanctions requires unanimous consent from all 27 EU countries. Since July last year, the EU has imposed 'punitive tariffs' on Russian and Belarusian grains and agricultural products. Although not direct sanctions, the goal is effectively to ban imports. A 16th package of sanctions against Russia, including banking transactions, has also been adopted and is being implemented.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced an additional €2 billion (about 3 trillion won) in military aid to Ukraine. After meeting with President Zelensky at the Élysée Palace, he held a joint press conference, stating, "We must continue immediate support for Ukraine." President Macron explained that the support would include anti-tank missiles like Milan, air defense systems like MICA missiles, Mistral surface-to-air missiles, armored vehicles and tanks, drones, and large quantities of ammunition.

Meanwhile, European countries are accelerating their security rearmament. The UK announced that it would increase its defense budget to 2.36% of GDP in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, and Sweden announced plans to increase its defense budget by 300 billion kronor (about 44 trillion won) over the next 10 years.

Han Economy Reporter hankyung@hankyung.com