This is a manifestation of weakness: the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry commented on the US lifting sanctions on Russian vessels

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine commented on the lifting of sanctions by the United States on three Russian vessels.

This was reported by Ukrinform.

Thus, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, at a joint press conference in Kyiv with his Irish colleague Helen McEntee, stated that even a partial lifting of sanctions by the United States undermines the pressure on Russia, which must not be reduced, but increased together with partners.

“Ukraine’s position remains unchanged: in order to achieve real progress in peace efforts, the pressure must continue and increase. Therefore, any relaxation is a manifestation of weakness,” Sybiga replied to a question about the removal of three vessels under the Russian flag from the sanctions list by the US Treasury Department.

The minister recalled that there should be no illusions about Russia, which “is trying to play with all these negotiations and meetings.” According to him, Russia must realize the unacceptability of its actions and the rejection of peaceful efforts.

Sibiga also emphasized the need to prohibit the provision of maritime services to the Russian “shadow fleet”, continue the detention of such vessels in European ports, as well as the introduction of sanctions on Russian port infrastructure, which is used by both the “shadow fleet” and vessels that export stolen Ukrainian grain.

Earlier, USM reported that the US Treasury Department had lifted sanctions against three Russian vessels: one of them was involved in grain theft.