Soaring energy prices increase risk of escalation of Russian aggression in Europe – Sybiha

He stated this in a post on the social network X, Ukrinform reports.

"Soaring energy prices as a result of the Middle East escalation increase the risk of Russian aggression escalating in Europe. To mitigate this impact, pressure on Russia should not be reduced but rather increased sharply," he said.

Sybiha emphasized that tankers of Russia's shadow fleet should not only be stopped but also confiscated; individual sanctions should be expanded, and he also called for a ban on the entry of Russian militants across the entire EU.

"The 20th EU sanctions package must be adopted without delay, and any blackmail by separate member states on unrelated issues must be stopped with decisive action," he believes.

Sybiha explained that sanctions against Russia are more than just support for Ukraine or an expression of solidarity with Ukrainians; the EU imposes sanctions on Russia for its own sake, to counter Russia's aggressive military machine, which poses a threat to every European family.

The same, in his view, applies to the EUR 90 billion loan for Ukraine – this money is not charity; it is an investment in countering Russian aggression and supporting peace in Europe.

All these steps are critically important strategic security issues for all of Europe and are urgent, Sybiha stressed.

As Ukrinform reported, European Commission spokesperson Paola Pinho stated that since the escalation in the Middle East and major disruptions in oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, Russia has been earning an additional $150 million per day from oil sales.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said she does not see any willingness among EU countries to make energy deals with Russia, even "behind closed doors."

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