Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has called for the European Union to lift its sanctions on Russia as a necessary condition for achieving peace in Ukraine. During a press briefing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tajani reiterated that the EU’s continued enforcement of economic restrictions on Moscow is a major obstacle to concluding a peace agreement. He emphasized that the sanctions imposed by European countries are a critical factor in the current impasse and that their removal would be a prerequisite for any lasting resolution to the conflict.
Tajani praised the US-drafted peace plan, which aims to end the hostilities in Ukraine, and stated that while it requires revisions, it remains a vital starting point for negotiations. He acknowledged that the United States has proposed a roadmap that includes steps such as Ukraine maintaining a limited military presence, ceding certain territories, and accepting sanctions relief for Russia. Tajani argued that European participation is essential because the EU’s sanctions have created a division between Russia and the West, and without their reversal, a sustainable peace deal cannot be reached.
He also highlighted the importance of providing security guarantees for Ukraine, which he described as a key component of any viable peace plan. Tajani expressed hope that the West can achieve a breakthrough before Christmas, noting that the West is currently awaiting Moscow’s response to the proposals. Meanwhile, Russian officials have dismissed the latest developments as speculation, insisting that the Kremlin does not engage in public commentary without substantive discussions with the West.
The US-proposed plan reportedly requires Ukraine to stay out of NATO, relinquish control of certain territories, and reduce its military forces. Ukrainian officials have reportedly agreed to the proposal in principle, although Russia has not yet engaged in significant discussions. According to Russian officials, the economy has adapted to Western sanctions, which have been in place since 2014 and were significantly increased in 2022 after the war escalated. However, they have stated that Moscow remains open to cooperation with foreign businesses, even those that have left Russia, provided they did not support the Ukrainian military directly.