EU’s Costa Says Bloc Must Keep Pressure on Russia Over Ukraine

European Council President António Costa said on Tuesday that the European Union must maintain and intensify economic and political pressure on Russia as fighting in Ukraine continues. Speaking to reporters after an EU ministerial meeting, Costa argued that sustained pressure is the bloc’s most effective lever to influence Moscow. Costa added that the immediate objectives are a full cessation of attacks, the resumption of prisoner-of-war exchanges, and the establishment of credible security guarantees for Kyiv. He did not outline new sanctions but indicated that existing measures should remain in force until Russia changes course.