Ukraine’s European allies have firmly stated that now is not the time to lift sanctions on Russia, despite Moscow’s condition that it would only agree to a U.S.-brokered deal to end the Black Sea conflict if some sanctions are eased.
At a summit on Thursday, March 27, the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany collectively made it clear that Europe will not lift sanctions on Russia. Their statement was seen as a strong, coordinated response to the Trump administration, which has been evaluating Russia’s demands for sanctions relief.
The remarks followed a meeting in Paris of the “coalition of the willing,” which focused on strengthening support for Kyiv and discussing what role they could play if a peace agreement is reached with Russia.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said there was “complete clarity that now is not the time for lifting of sanctions.” He added, “Quite the contrary – we discussed how we can increase sanctions to support the U.S. initiative and bring Russia to the table through further pressure from this group of countries.” Starmer emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure while maintaining a constructive tone toward the United States. He revealed that the meeting included over 30 countries, including Ukraine’s European allies and NATO officials, and described it as “very constructive.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called lifting sanctions a “serious mistake,” noting that it “makes no sense to end the sanctions until peace has actually been achieved,” and emphasizing that the situation remains far from peaceful.
“There was absolute clarity that Russia is trying to delay the process and is playing games, and we have to be absolutely clear about that,” Starmer added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also called for “more pressure” on Russia, along with additional sanctions packages. In a press conference from Paris, he declared, “All 31 votes today supported that there will be no lifting of any sanctions against Russia until this war ends in a just peace.” Zelensky further underscored the importance of unity in the face of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to “divide Europe and America.”
“We want America to be stronger,” Zelensky said. “It’s not even a matter of desire, but we need America to be stronger in relation to Russia.” He warned that Putin seeks to negotiate from a position of strength, focusing solely on war. “They’re dragging out the talks, trying to get the U.S. caught in endless, pointless discussions about fake ‘conditions’ just to buy time and grab more land,” Zelensky added, noting that Ukrainian intelligence indicates Russian forces are preparing new offensives in Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Earlier this week, the U.S. announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to a partial ceasefire in the Black Sea. However, Moscow later stated it would only implement the deal if some sanctions on Russian banks and exports are lifted.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented that the U.S. would “evaluate” Russia’s conditions and have discussions once negotiators return from Saudi Arabia to better understand Russia’s demands.
In addition, France clarified a proposal to send forces from European armies to Ukraine if a ceasefire is reached. France and the UK previously considered sending peacekeepers but now prefer the term “reassurance forces.” French President Emmanuel Macron explained that these forces would be stationed at strategic locations identified by Ukraine to offer long-term support, reassure Ukrainian forces, and act as a deterrent against further Russian aggression. However, he made it clear that these forces would not replace the Ukrainian military.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni mentioned that the possibility of the United Nations enforcing a ceasefire was discussed, but emphasized that Italy would not participate in any potential military deployment in Ukraine.