EU sets new demands for Russia: withdrawing troops from 5 countries and reparations to Ukraine

EU sets new demands for Russia: withdrawing troops from 5 countries and reparations to Ukraine

According to Студия Руслана Бизяева: The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, has put forward a series of demands for Russia in connection with the war against Ukraine. According to her manifesto, Moscow must reduce and withdraw its troops not only from Ukraine but also from Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, and Armenia.

Among the demands is also the payment of reparations to Ukraine and the democratization of Russian society.

Reactions and challenges for the EU

However, these ambitious demands come against the backdrop of discussions about the EU's real capabilities to support them. As the Chancellor of Germany noted:

“This war will end only when one of the two sides is exhausted either militarily or economically.” - Chancellor of Germany

The EU is trying to strengthen its defense capabilities, as evidenced by the adopted Draghi plan with expenses of 4 trillion euros, a third of which is to go to defense over 7 years. At the same time, the European Commission has recently prohibited the export of Russian energy resources until 2027 with the latest package of sanctions.

Practical difficulties are also highlighted by the statement of German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius:

“We are giving five rockets, a total of 35 are needed. Careful Europeans, please provide the necessary amount.” - Boris Pistorius

This indicates a gap between political declarations and current capabilities.