Europe says no to Russian ceasefire proposal in exchange for sanctions
26 March 18:29
The European Union has strongly rejected Russia’s proposal to end hostilities in Ukraine in exchange for partial sanctions relief, which underscores the widening gap between Moscow and the West. This is reported by Komersant ukrainskyi with reference to Bloomberg.
The proposal, which was made through unofficial diplomatic channels in late March 2025, was quickly dismissed by EU leaders as a tactical maneuver rather than a genuine step toward peace.
What Russia offered
According to sources cited by Bloomberg, Russia’s proposal included a limited, temporary ceasefire in certain parts of the frontline in Ukraine. In exchange for this, Moscow expected an easing of some Western sanctions that have hurt key sectors of its economy, including energy, finance and technology.
The Kremlin presented the proposal as a “confidence-building measure” that would serve as a prelude to more structured peace talks. Russian officials positioned it as a pragmatic step toward de-escalation aimed at “resetting” the dialogue with the West.
Why the EU rejected the proposal
The EU’s reaction was swift and coordinated. Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said that sanctions are not a bargaining chip and will not be lifted in exchange for temporary or superficial concessions.
“A ceasefire without a withdrawal is a trap. It freezes the battlefield, but it consolidates the occupation,” a European diplomat told the media on condition of anonymity.
EU leaders pointed out several “red flags”:
- the proposal did not contain any commitments to withdraw Russian troops or to end the territorial occupation;
- it was proposed unilaterally, without coordination with Ukraine or international partners;
- the proposal could undermine Kyiv’s negotiating position, shifting the momentum toward a premature pause.
Several EU member states, including Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia, have warned against a “repeat of 2014,” referring to the Minsk agreements, which they believe allowed Russia to regroup militarily while gaining diplomatic respite.
Strategic context
The proposal comes amid growing war fatigue in Europe, a difficult presidential election year in the United States, and growing public pressure to explore diplomatic options. Analysts speculate that Russia timed the proposal to test Western unity and find cracks in the sanctions regime.
At the same time, the unofficial talks between Russia and the United States in Saudi Arabia, as well as separate conversations with Ukraine, created a moment when Moscow probably saw an opportunity to put forward its own proposal – not for peace, but for positioning.
However, by conditioning the easing of sanctions on a tactical truce rather than a strategic change, Russia underestimated the West’s resolve.
A broader message from the EU
By rejecting the deal, the EU sent a clear message: “cosmetic diplomacy” will not be rewarded. Any movement toward easing sanctions, officials reiterated, must be tied to:
- full respect for the territorial integrity of Ukraine;
- verifiable withdrawal of Russian troops;
- mandatory security guarantees and accountability mechanisms.
The US State Department supported this position, calling the Russian proposal “untenable” and reiterating that sanctions would be lifted only in response to real, irreversible steps toward de-escalation and justice.
Read also: It became known which three categories of sanctions Russians want to lift first
What sanctions against Russia remain in force in 2025
As of March 2025, the European Union and its allies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and others, have maintained and expanded a wide range of economic and individual sanctions against Russia in response to its war against Ukraine. The latest round of EU sanctions, the 14th package, was officially adopted in February 2024.
1. Financial and banking restrictions
Asset freezes and travel bans for more than 1,800 individuals and entities, including government officials, warlords, oligarchs, propagandists, and companies.
A ban on transactions with key Russian banks, including the complete exclusion of many of them from the SWIFT payment system.
A ban on investments in Russian state-owned enterprises and sovereign debt.
2. Sanctions in the energy sector
A complete embargo on Russian coal and crude oil with strict adherence to the oil price cap mechanism (currently set at $60 per barrel for oil produced by sea).
Ban on imports of petroleum products (e.g., diesel fuel, jet fuel).
A ban on new investments, technology transfer and services for the Russian energy sector, especially in the field of oil production in the Arctic and offshore.
3. Trade restrictions
A ban on exports of dual-use goods and advanced technologies, including
- drones and components for drones
- semiconductors and electronics;
- aircraft parts and navigation equipment.
Bans on imports of iron, steel, gold, diamonds, vodka, seafood and luxury goods of Russian origin.
4. Transportation and logistics
Prohibiting ships and trucks flying the Russian flag from entering EU ports and territory.
Closure of airspace for all aircraft owned, registered or controlled by Russia.
5. Media and disinformation
Suspension of broadcasting licenses for several Russian state-owned media outlets, including RT, Sputnik and others.
Freezing of assets and travel bans for those involved in disinformation campaigns.
6. Additional measures
The EU has introduced mechanisms to counter sanctions circumvention, including the right to restrict exports to third countries suspected of re-exporting sanctioned goods to Russia.
