Kaja Kallas warns sanctions relief could bankroll Russia's war effort
Estonia's foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said easing sanctions on Russian diesel risks giving Moscow new money for its war in Ukraine, and noted recent civilian deaths.
Estonia's EU foreign affairs representative Kaja Kallas warned that lifting sanctions on Russian diesel will provide Moscow with additional funds to sustain its war against Ukraine. She cited recent Russian attacks that have resulted in over 80 civilian deaths in Ukraine. Kallas anticipates that EU foreign ministers will convene in Luxembourg on Monday to approve what she described as the most extensive sanctions package since the war began in February 2022.
The United States Treasury has said it will temporarily suspend sanctions on Russian diesel shipments. In a separate statement, Donald Trump said he had secured a deal with Vladimir Putin concerning diesel deliveries, describing the talks as successful. Kallas also warned of intensified hybrid attacks by Russia targeting European and NATO members.
Why it matters
Easing sanctions could supply Russia with money to continue its invasion of Ukraine, affecting European security.
How this story developed
- Sep 29 US officials describe talks with Russian envoy as constructive amid Ukraine war
- Oct 7 President Vladimir Putin told Iran that Russia is prepared to help Tehran in diplomatic efforts to ease the ongoing Middle East war.
- Oct 8 Senator Marco Rubio told Kathimerini that a negotiated settlement to the Russia-Ukraine conflict appears out of reach, leaving the war in a strategic stalemate.
- Oct 9 India shifted from a labor‑exchange agreement with Russia to actively mediating a cease‑fire between Russia and Ukraine.
- Oct 9 Lavrov's UN remarks offered Russian help to stabilise the Strait of Hormuz.
- Oct 9 Dmitrijev met U.S. officials in Washington to discuss post‑war energy cooperation.
- Oct 9 Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he reached an agreement with Vladimir Putin for Russia to supply the United States and global markets with diesel fuel in multiple shipments.
- Oct 9 Ukrainian delegation members Budanov, Kyslytsya, Arakhamia and Umerov travel to the United States for talks with Kushner and Witkoff.
- Oct 10 U.S., Ukrainian and European officials met in Miami on Oct 9 to discuss protecting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and related issues.
- Oct 10 Donald Trump said Ukraine should install a new leader capable of striking a deal to end the war, criticizing President Volodymyr Zelensky’s approach.
- Oct 10 Zelensky slammed Trump and Ukrainian drones attacked the Novoshakhtinsk oil terminal while Russia bombed a residential building in Zaporizhzhia.
- Oct 10 Miami conference ended early after the diesel sanction exemption was announced.
- Oct 11 Rubio reiterated that a diplomatic solution looks unlikely.
- Oct 11 Trump linked his call for a new Ukrainian leader to a diesel export arrangement with Russia.
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