Lipavský: Czechia sees no reason to lift sanctions against Russia

Czechia sees no justification for lifting sanctions against Russia and continues to support increasing pressure on Moscow in response to its aggression in Ukraine, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said on Thursday. The statement came in reaction to a decision by Slovakia’s parliament urging its government to oppose new EU sanctions and trade restrictions against Russia.

Slovakia remains part of the EU sanctions framework, which last month approved its 17th package in response to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. New measures, as well as extensions of existing ones, require unanimous agreement among EU members.

Lipavský argued that Russia’s continued stalling in ceasefire negotiations highlights the need for increased pressure, including stricter sanctions. He emphasized that these measures are taken with the security of all EU citizens in mind, including those in Czechia and Slovakia.

Earlier this week, Lipavský criticized Russia’s stance in Istanbul talks with Ukraine, saying Moscow had merely repeated ultimatums from 2022.