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European Council President António Costa said the European Union is preparing its 21st package of sanctions against Russia and has made a political decision to extend sectoral sanctions for one year instead of renewing them every six months.
Speaking at the opening of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, Costa said the EU would continue increasing pressure on Moscow while supporting diplomatic efforts to achieve peace, UATV English reports.
“The European Union supports all initiatives that contribute to peace while increasing pressure on Russia through sanctions. We have adopted 20 sanctions packages, and we are preparing the next one. We have also taken the political decision to extend sectoral sanctions for one year instead of only six months,” Costa said.
He stressed that the sanctions are producing results and are intended to force Russia to engage in negotiations.
“The European Union is ready to play its part in this process. However, Ukraine will determine the conditions for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace. No one can speak on behalf of Ukraine—only Ukrainians can speak for the Ukrainian people,” he added.
Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced at the conference that the European Union would provide Ukraine with €90 billion in financial assistance over the next two years.
Read also: Von der Leyen: European Flagship Fund for Ukraine’s Recovery Is Ready
