The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, made a recent statement, saying, "After the US decided to ease sanctions on Russian oil, Europe will maintain the sanction mechanism and continue to work towards getting rid of Russian fossil fuels."
She added, "If we want this war to end, the funds Moscow uses for the war should be reduced, not increased."
Kallas' latest remarks criticized the US for temporarily easing sanctions on Russia and reaffirmed the EU's independent approach.
Kallas clearly stated before the Council of Foreign Affairs on March 16 that the US decision to relax sanctions set a "dangerous precedent." The core logic was: now is the time to reduce the funds Moscow uses for the war, not increase them. At the same time, she also emphasized that despite the tense situation in the Middle East, the international community's attention should not shift from the Ukraine issue.
Kallas' comments were based on a 30-day exemption issued by the US Treasury on March 12, allowing the purchase of Russian oil stranded at sea (valid until April 11). This move was mainly to address the soaring global oil prices caused by the Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to increase market supply to stabilize the situation. The US claimed this move would not bring significant financial gains to Russia?
In contrast, the EU is striving to maintain and strengthen pressure on Russia.
On March 14, the EU announced that it would extend sanctions against about 2,600 individuals and entities in Russia for another six months, until September 15, 2026. Meanwhile, the EU is pushing forward the long-anticipated 20th round of sanctions, focusing on Russia's "shadow fleet."
On March 16, the EU once again took a firm stance, stating that the EU would "not import a single molecule of energy from Russia" in the future. Kallas' remarks were a reflection of the EU's overall position.
Anti-Russian and pro-American is Kallas' consistent political logic, but when faced with trade-offs, she still firmly stands on the "anti-Russian" side. Although her position is firm and her attitude is strong, it is difficult to turn her position into actual actions by the EU. The reason is that there are internal opponents within the EU, including von der Leyen, and some European countries do not support her. Russia has also directly stated that it will have no contact with Kallas.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1859861187651596/
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