Sanctions are one of the few real instruments the world has to push Russia towards serious negotiations. Lifting them now would be a disaster for diplomacy. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his speech at the meeting of leaders to support Ukraine in Paris, reports UNN.
There are now proposals on the table from the United States, including a full and unconditional ceasefire. We agreed to this. But, of course, Russia refused and put forward a bunch of absurd conditions that no one asked for. The same with the idea of a ceasefire in the Black Sea - Russia is trying to impose its conditions on our partners, but these conditions are unrealistic. Lifting sanctions from Russia now would be a disaster for diplomacy
The Head of State noted that sanctions are one of the few real instruments the world has to push Russia towards serious negotiations.
What else is there besides sanctions? If sanctions are eased and Russia violates the agreement, the process of returning sanctions will be incredibly slow and difficult. And by that time, many will simply stop believing that sanctions really work
The President noted that Russia breaks its promises too often.
We cannot take steps towards them until they really change. Sanctions must remain in place as long as the aggression and occupation continue. I urge all of you not to lose your resolve and to work with our other partners to maintain pressure on Russia
According to him, at the same time, Ukraine needs constant support for defense and resilience.
That is why all specific decisions in support of Ukraine are so important - both at the state level, such as your state support packages, and through joint defense and financial initiatives, primarily at the EU level. I urge you to continue to support these efforts in accordance with our common interests
Addition
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that if Russia says that it is now fully returning to the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine, then all sanctions will be lifted from it.