Any potential lifting or modification of EU sanctions against Moscow is conditional on the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine, a spokesperson for the European Commission made clear.

The EU member states renewed two sets of sanctions against Russia for another six months at the end of January and again earlier in March. Any changes require unanimous agreement among the 27 member states.

“Ending the unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine and the unconditional withdrawal of all Russian military forces from the entire territory of Ukraine will be among the key conditions for any modification or lifting of sanctions,” said the Commission spokesperson.

Russia announced yesterday that the United States had agreed to assist in lifting a range of Western sanctions and restrictions on food, fertilizer, and shipping companies as a prerequisite for implementing a new maritime security agreement in the Black Sea.

Diplomats told Reuters that most of the Kremlin’s requests pertain to sanctions and restrictions imposed by the European Union.