Brussels: The European Union said today that the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine will be one of the main conditions for lifting or modifying the sanctions currently imposed on Moscow.

According to Qatar News Agency, the EU emphasized that ending what it described as Russia’s unjustified aggression in Ukraine, along with the unconditional withdrawal of all Russian military forces from the entire territory of Ukraine, would be key requirements for any reconsideration of the sanctions.

Meanwhile, Germany urged Russia to agree to an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, following Moscow’s statement that a ceasefire agreement in the Black Sea could only be implemented if certain restrictions were lifted. Berlin argued that repeatedly tying a ceasefire to new demands and concessions prevents any room for meaningful dialogue.

On Mar. 14, the European Commission announced that EU member states had agreed to extend sanctions on Russia for another six months due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Separately, the United States and Ukraine announced the outcomes of technical discussions held between experts from both sides in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. Media reports indicated that Russia and Ukraine reached an understanding on ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea, prohibiting the use of force, and preventing the use of commercial vessels for military purposes. Both parties also reaffirmed their commitment to developing mechanisms for the exchange of prisoners of war, releasing civilian detainees, and returning Ukrainian children who had been relocated to Moscow.