During a meeting in Rome, the foreign ministers of Poland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, along with the EU High Representative, expressed their willingness to intensify pressure on Russia to compel it to agree to a ceasefire.
“We highly appreciate Ukraine’s constructive participation in this process, which demonstrates its clear commitment to peace, in particular its readiness to commit to an immediate, comprehensive, and unconditional 30-day ceasefire as a stable basis for serious and credible negotiations, as well as its openness to a meeting at the presidential level,” according to a statement.
The foreign ministers reiterated their intent to increase pressure on Russia, particularly through sanctions in the energy and banking sectors, to weaken Russia’s capacity to continue the war and bolster Ukraine’s position in the negotiations. Additionally, the ministers emphasized the necessity of continuing to block Russian assets “until the Kremlin stops its aggression and compensates for the damage it has caused.”
The diplomats also conveyed their readiness to enhance support for Ukraine, especially through collaboration in the defense industry to assist its Euro-Atlantic integration.