Ukraine Deputy Foreign Minister: Russia's sanctions loopholes must be closed

Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Marjana Betsa spoke to ERR about Ukraine's objectives in the current phase of the war. Despite statements from both countries' presidents about the possibility of peace talks, fighting continues and negotiations are on hold. Betsa stressed the need to close all the loopholes that Russia uses to evade sanctions.

Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Marjana Betsa gave an interview to ERR in which she outlined Ukraine's positions in the ongoing armed conflict with Russia. Despite optimistic statements from the leaders of both countries about the possible near-term prospect of peace talks, the armed conflict continues and talks have effectively stalled.

Sanctions loopholes need closing

Betsa stressed in the conversation that one of Ukraine's priorities on the international stage is to ensure that Russia cannot continue to circumvent sanctions. According to the Deputy Minister, Russia uses various intermediary countries and schemes to facilitate the movement of banned goods and resources. All such loopholes must be systematically closed, in her assessment.

According to the Ukrainian diplomat, the effectiveness of sanctions is directly linked to the course of the war: the more effectively pressure can be applied to Russia's economy, the sooner it will be possible to reach a peace agreement. Betsa called on Western countries to strengthen cooperation in monitoring the implementation of sanctions.

Peace talks are on hold

Although Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have both alluded to the possibility of ending hostilities in the near term, the negotiation process has not seen any substantive breakthroughs. Betsa confirmed that Ukraine is ready for peace, but not on terms that would compromise the country's sovereignty or territorial integrity.

The Deputy Minister stressed that Ukraine continues to need international support on the military, economic and diplomatic fronts. According to Betsa, the current moment is of critical importance, and the unity of the international community and a clear message to Russia are more important than ever before.