EU countries fail to reach agreement on sanctions against Israeli minister Ben-Gvir: He had mocked activists

European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas held a press conference following the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting held in Luxembourg. Stating that they first held a working breakfast on Armenia with the participation of Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, Kallas said, "The results of last week sent a very clear message. The people of Armenia voted for peace, sovereignty, and close relations with Europe. Russia’s intense pressure and economic coercion failed to change the election result."

"Mini" sanctions package against Russia adopted

Touching upon Russia’s recent attacks on Ukraine, which damaged a historic church in the capital Kyiv, Kallas said, "This revealed how absurd it is for Russia to portray itself as a defender of Christianity. This is a direct attack on Ukraine’s thousand-year-old heritage. These attacks have no military logic."

Kallas stated, "The war that Russian President Putin is waging on the front has reached a stalemate. For this reason, Russia is increasingly targeting civilians. The ministers agreed that we must continue to support Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia."

While work continues on the 21st sanctions package proposed against Russia, Kallas announced that the union approved a new sanctions package today targeting Russia’s industry, military complex, shadow fleet, and hybrid warfare networks. Kallas said, "We have also adopted new sanctions lists against individuals who are trying to destabilize, weaken, and threaten Moldova. At the same time, the ministers were clear that work on the more comprehensive 21st sanctions package must proceed rapidly."

"Sanctions have cost Russia 1 to 1.3 trillion euros"

EU foreign policy chief Kallas said, "Every measure taken narrows Russia’s room for maneuver. The numbers speak volumes. Western sanctions have cost Russia approximately 1 to 1.3 trillion euros so far. Thanks to this, this money cannot be used to wage war against Ukraine."

"The future of Ukraine and Moldova is in the EU"

Touching upon the fact that the first clusters of chapters in the accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova will be opened today, Kallas said, "Today, Ukraine and Moldova will take a critical step on the path to EU membership. The opening of the first clusters of chapters is a major turning point. Both countries have implemented difficult reforms under extraordinary conditions. The future of Ukraine and Moldova is in the EU."

Addressing developments in the Middle East, Kallas said, "The announcement of an agreement between the US and Iran aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz is a potential turning point."

"The most difficult phase of the talks is still ahead of us"

Stating that this could provide the necessary space for deeper negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and other critical issues, Kallas said, "The most difficult phase of the talks is still ahead of us. I have spoken with Iranian and Gulf region counterparts in recent days. EU foreign ministers evaluated today how the EU could be more closely involved in the next phase of the process. The EU is ready to contribute to a sustainable solution, from economic tools to nuclear expertise."

No consensus reached on imposing sanctions on Ben-Gvir

EU High Representative Kallas also announced that EU member states could not reach an agreement on imposing sanctions on far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who drew backlash for mocking activists aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza by forcing them to lie on the ground with their hands tied. Addressing the recent situation in Gaza and the West Bank, Kallas said, "Foreign ministers reached an agreement last month on new sanctions against extremist Israeli settlers and Hamas members. Many countries proposed imposing sanctions on (Israeli National Security Minister) Ben-Gvir as well, but no consensus could be reached on this issue."

Kallas added that many member states have requested proposals from the European Commission regarding trade with illegal settlements and that she would convey this issue to the Commission. Kallas stated, "At the next Foreign Affairs Council meeting, I will ask for options to be prepared regarding potential trade measures. These will include measures to block the import of products from illegal settlements."

"The focus of Operation Aspides will continue to be the Red Sea as it is currently"

In response to a question at the press conference regarding the possibility of expanding Operation Aspides, which is for security in the Red Sea, to the Strait of Hormuz, Kallas replied, "We now have more ships under Operation Aspides. The focus of Aspides will continue to be the Red Sea as it is currently. The France-UK coalition will operate in the Strait of Hormuz. Considering the statements that the Houthis will increase their attacks, I think these two operations complement each other."