Western capitals are united in opposing linking progress in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine with the lifting of sanctions against Moscow, instead girding for long-term economic pressure against the Kremlin.
Russian and Ukrainian negotiators emerged from talks in Turkey on Tuesday with the exchange of draft peace proposals and a statement from Moscow that it would scale back its military operations against Kyiv, raising hope that negotiations were making progress.
But US and European officials voiced scepticism over Russia’s sincerity and commitment towards the peace talks, underlining that only a full ceasefire, troop withdrawal and return of captured territory to Ukraine would be enough to trigger discussions over lifting sanctions on Russia’s economy.