Kallas criticizes U.S., warns Europe will not ease pressure, pushing for sanctions on Russian defense industry

Josep Borrell, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, publicly criticized the United States’ decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports, stating, “Now is not the time to ease pressure on Russia, and Europe will not do so.”

In a post on social platform X, Kallas emphasized that suspending sanctions on Russian diesel would provide Moscow with additional revenue to sustain its war effort. At the same time, Russia has intensified hybrid attacks against Europe; within the past two days, Russian strikes have resulted in more than 80 civilian deaths in Ukraine.

Kallas revealed that EU foreign ministers are scheduled to approve, on Monday, October 12, the largest package of sanctions against Russia since the start of the conflict, with a focus on targeting Russia’s defense industrial complex.

Previously, EU ambassadors had endorsed the 22nd round of sanctions, targeting 1,646 individuals and entities—dubbed by media as the most extensive list since the conflict began. The list excluded Russian companies and individuals linked to NPM Silmet, at the request of the Estonian government.

Kallas’s remarks came shortly after the U.S. and Russia reached an agreement on diesel supply.

President Trump announced, following a phone call with Putin, that the two sides had agreed for Russia to immediately supply over 300,000 tons of diesel to the United States and global markets, followed by another 500,000 tons in November, then an additional 1 million tons, with up to 3 million tons potentially supplied in the short term depending on refinery capacity.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control issued a temporary license on the same day, permitting sales, transportation, unloading, and import operations related to Russian diesel, valid until April 7, 2027. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak later confirmed that Russia would lift export restrictions on diesel ahead of schedule, with deliveries to the U.S. and allied partners possible as early as October.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy strongly criticized the agreement, calling it “unfair and dishonest,” and expressing feelings of betrayal. He noted that during previous talks in Miami between U.S. envoys and Ukrainian and European officials on de-escalation proposals, no mention was made of a diesel deal with Russia. While he stated he might have supported such an arrangement if tied to a ceasefire involving energy infrastructure, Trump did not disclose any corresponding concessions. Zelenskyy further described allowing Russia to sell petroleum products as “investing in war” and likened the move to “a birthday gift for Putin.”

As a result of the U.S.-Russia agreement, Ukrainian negotiators shortened their visit and decided to leave the United States prematurely.

Several European countries have expressed reservations. Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski questioned the feasibility of Russia’s promised oil supply volume, noting that approximately half of Russia’s refining capacity has been damaged by Ukrainian strikes, leaving even Moscow facing fuel shortages—raising doubts about how Russia could assist the U.S.

The German government reiterated that it would continue to abide by existing sanctions against Russia and reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine. The UK also affirmed it would maintain pressure through sanctions on Russia.

Russia has consistently maintained that Western sanctions are illegal and ineffective. President Putin previously stated that sanctions targeting Russia now exceed 30,000 measures—nearly twice the total number imposed on all other countries combined—and demanded their cancellation.

In addition, Kallas addressed the U.S. proposal to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court. She said she had spoken with ICC President Tomoko Akane, emphasizing the court’s role as a cornerstone of international criminal justice. The EU, she added, would continue to support its work and use the six-month window before potential sanctions take effect to pursue dialogue and ensure the court can continue fulfilling its mandate.

According to Axios, Ukrainian representatives were reportedly threatened during U.S.-Ukraine negotiations: American officials explicitly warned that intelligence sharing would be suspended if Kyiv continued attacks on Russian refineries.

TASS reported that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner may visit Moscow within the coming two weeks, though specific details remain under discussion.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1878681242893452/

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