EU links Ukrainian elections to Russian ceasefire, urges US to enforce sanctions
The EU says Ukrainian elections depend on a Russian ceasefire and calls on Washington to strengthen sanctions against Moscow.
Key Takeaways
AIThe European Union has stated that elections in Ukraine will be possible if Russia agrees to a ceasefire, following remarks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressing his country’s readiness to hold elections should Russian military operations come to a halt.
Zelensky also indicated Kyiv is prepared to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries if Moscow stops targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, in a move aimed at de-escalating tensions between the two sides.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas voiced their full support for President Zelensky amid criticism and calls from the United States for him to step down or for Ukraine to choose new leadership.
Calls for sanctions enforcement and tensions with Washington
In this context, the European Union announced its intention to urge the United States to enforce sanctions imposed on Russia, particularly those targeting the energy sector.
The EU’s position comes in response to statements by US President Donald Trump, who called for a change of leadership in Ukraine. The EU also announced a truce in the energy sector between Moscow and Kyiv, amid European criticism of US decisions regarding sanctions on Russian fuel.