Sanctions against Russia cannot be eased while Russian aggression continues, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga said at a joint press conference with his Norwegian counterpart Espen Barth Eide in Kiev, Ukrinform reported, quoted by BTA.
During the talks, the two sides discussed the possibility of tightening sanctions against Moscow.
„We share the position that pressure on the aggressor must continue and be intensified. Russia will not negotiate honestly until it feels real strength - diplomatic, military and economic. There is no room for easing sanctions while Russian aggression continues,“ stressed Sibiga.
He added that Russia poses an existential threat to Europe and that defending against it is a common goal of Europeans and Ukrainians.
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister informed that he had provided Norway with data on the results of the recent talks in Saudi Arabia.
“Ukraine has proven that it is not an obstacle to peace. Now it is Russia's turn to show with concrete actions, not manipulations, that it wants to end the war. Otherwise, we will have to increase pressure on Moscow,“ said Sibiga.
Yesterday, a new meeting between the delegations of Ukraine and the United States was held in the Saudi capital Riyadh, after Ukrainian-American talks took place on March 23, and on March 24 – American-Russian.
During yesterday's talks, Washington and Kiev agreed to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea, to refrain from the use of military force and not to allow merchant ships to be used for military purposes.
The White House announced that after talks with the Russian delegation, the United States would assist in restoring Russia's access to the world market for agricultural products and fertilizers.
However, the Kremlin said that the Black Sea safety agreement would enter into force only after some of the sanctions against Russia are lifted.
Meanwhile, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will provide Ukraine with a loan of 270 million euros to purchase gas for the next two heating seasons, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal announced on the "X" platform. He added that the Norwegian government will provide an additional 140 million euros through the EBRD.