More than 70 members of the European Parliament have signed an open letter to the members of the European Council demanding that they once again confirm unwavering support for Ukraine and the impossibility of restoring economic ties with Russia. The document is addressed to European Council President António Costa and the heads of the EU member states.
The authors of the letter insist on the introduction of a full embargo on Russian oil and gas as part of a new sanctions package. “We call for a strong joint position confirming that the EU will not reopen its market to Russian diesel or other energy products. In addition, we call for it to be emphasised once again that the EU will make no concessions to Russia until a lasting ceasefire is in place, peace is established, and justice is served for the crimes committed by Russia and its accomplices,” the appeal states.
The letter was signed by MEPs from different political groups in the European Parliament. One of the initiators and public spokespersons was Latvian MEP Rihards Kols (European Conservatives and Reformists group). In his statement, he stressed that Moscow is counting on Europe’s fatigue and the resumption of former business relations, which is why the EU must deny the Kremlin both financial resources and any hope of escaping accountability.
The appeal was a response to the actions of US President Donald Trump. On 9 October, Trump stated that he had spoken with Vladimir Putin and reached an agreement with him on supplies of Russian diesel fuel to the American and world markets. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Treasury issued a temporary general licence permitting such supplies.
Ahead of the European Council summit on 15–16 October, EU leaders are expected to express regret over the United States’ decision to temporarily ease sanctions on Russian diesel. Members of the European Parliament are calling on European leaders not to follow such initiatives and to maintain a principled position of support for Ukraine until a lasting peace is established and Russia is held accountable, including through the payment of reparations.
