EU rejects Russia's terms to ease sanctions for Black Sea truce

The European Union has rejected Russia's demand to lift sanctions as part of an agreement on a partial ceasefire in the Black Sea, Financial Times reported.

Sanctions will remain in place until the "unconditional withdrawal" of Russian troops from Ukraine, European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper said on Wednesday.

The EU's main objective remains exerting maximum pressure on Russia, using all available tools, including sanctions, to limit its ability to wage war against Ukraine, Hipper stated.

The Commission also dismissed Russia's claims that EU sanctions have restricted food and fertilizer exports to poor countries.

The spokesperson said the EU consistently supports efforts to strengthen global food security. EU sanctions in no way target trade in agricultural goods, including food, grain, and fertilizers, between Russia and third countries.

Earlier, the United States announced it had reached an agreement with Russia and Ukraine to halt attacks in the Black Sea and intended to help Russia regain access to global markets for agricultural exports and fertilizers.

The Kremlin, however, stated that the deal depends on lifting sanctions, particularly those imposed on Rosselkhozbank, and restoring its access to the SWIFT global payment system.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Russia's conditions a sanction relief attempt and accused the Kremlin of manipulation.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States is considering Russia's conditions for implementing the Black Sea ceasefire. He also acknowledged that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is likely trying to delay a full ceasefire with Ukraine.