US Secretary of State discusses sanctions against Russia with EU diplomatic chief

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the conflict in Ukraine and anti-Russian sanctions during a telephone conversation with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas. The corresponding information was published on the website of the State Department.

"Secretary of State Rubio stressed the need to strengthen transatlantic security, called on Europe to increase defense spending and highlighted the challenges posed by China," - follows from the message.

Also Rubio during the conversation welcomed the extension of EU sanctions against Russia and the Ukrainian conflict. In addition, discussed ways to deepen cooperation between the US and the EU on common priorities.

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Earlier, on January 27, the head of EU diplomacy Kaja Kallas officially confirmed the extension of anti-Russian sanctions for six months. In turn, Hungarian Foreign Affairs and External Economic Relations Minister Peter Szijjarto said that Budapest had received the required energy security guarantees from the European Commission, without which it refused to extend sanctions against Russia.

The next day, January 28, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that there were no innovations in the EU's extension of anti-Russian sanctions for six months. He also called the sanctions against Russia illegal.

Before that, on January 15, Rubio said that the United States allowed the possible lifting of sanctions against Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine. According to him, sanctions can be used allegedly as a leverage during negotiations. Thus, Rubio called the existence of sanctions against Russia a bargaining chip in negotiations with Ukraine.

Western countries increased sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation after the start of the special operation to protect civilians in Donbass, which was announced on February 24, 2022.