The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said in Luxembourg that the international community must apply as much pressure as possible on Russia to force an end to the war. She also stressed the urgent need to step up military support for Ukraine.
“It’s been nearly a month since Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire, but Russia has not,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. “It takes two sides to end a war - and only one to start it. And we see clearly that Russia wants to continue. Everyone who wants the killing to stop must exert maximum pressure on Russia.”
EU boosts Ukraine aid, condemns Russia’s Palm Sunday strike
On the issue of military aid, Kallas outlined a plan to deliver 2 million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine this year, worth €5 billion. She said that EU member states have already committed to nearly two-thirds of that goal, and financial support pledged by European capitals in 2025 now totals €23 billion - more than last year.
European officials also strongly condemned Russia’s missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, which occurred on Palm Sunday - a Christian holiday observed by both Catholics and Orthodox believers.
European institutions have long voiced concerns that Russia has no real interest in a ceasefire. Some diplomats argue that stronger pressure and tougher sanctions on Moscow are needed - a topic expected to feature prominently in today’s discussions.
Ukraine’s acting foreign minister, Andriy Sybiha, is scheduled to join the EU ministers remotely.
Lithuania calls for tougher Russia sanctions after Sumy attack
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys urged the EU to target Russia’s gas and nuclear sectors in its next sanctions package, calling the recent missile strike on Sumy a humiliation for diplomatic efforts. He also proposed accelerating Ukraine’s EU accession talks, suggesting January 1, 2030, as a target date.
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Source: IAR/PAP/X/@kajakallas/@BudrysKestutis