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Weimar+ Group Push for More Ukraine Aid, Tougher Sanctions, and Frozen Russian Assets

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Maryna_kulakova
Maryna Kulakova
Author
Weimar+ Group Push for More Ukraine Aid, Tougher Sanctions, and Frozen Russian Assets
Germany's FM Annalena Baerbock speaks with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, while Polish FM Radoslaw Sikorski, European Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, and others attend Weimar talks on Ukraine in Paris. (Source: Getty Images)

On March 31, the Ukraine Support Group in the Weimar+  format announced it would increase its aid to Ukraine while considering new sanctions against Russia to compel it to agree to a ceasefire. Reuters reported this, citing a joint declaration from the group.

During the fourth meeting of the Ukraine Support Group in the Weimar+ format on March 31, foreign ministers from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the UK, along with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and the European Commissioner for Defense, Andrius Kubilius, discussed increasing military aid, security guarantees for Ukraine, and Europe’s future role in the peace process.

In their joint statement following the meeting, they called on Russia to agree to an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire on equal terms and with full implementation.” They also stated their readiness to apply further pressure on Moscow, including new sanctions, to ensure Ukraine has “best possible position to secure a just and lasting peace.”

The countries pledged to increase military, political, and humanitarian support for Ukraine’s military efforts. They stressed that any peace agreement must be backed by reliable security guarantees for Ukraine and added, “We stand ready to play a leading role in this regard.”

The statement also emphasized that they would not accept any agreement that would restrict Ukraine’s defense industry or the military presence of partner countries on Ukrainian soil.

The Weimar+ group committed to ensuring full accountability for Russia’s war crimes, working towards the establishment of a special court within the Council of Europe. Additionally, they stated that frozen Russian assets should remain frozen until Moscow ends the war and compensates Ukraine for the damages caused.

Earlier on March 31, speakers and deputy speakers from 17 European national parliaments, along with representatives of the European Parliament, arrived in Kyiv for a summit of parliamentary leaders.

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Weimar+ is an informal group of European countries, including France, Germany, Poland, and others, focused on coordinating foreign policy and security matters. It builds upon the "Weimar Triangle" diplomatic initiative and works to enhance support for Ukraine, particularly in response to the war with Russia, through military aid, sanctions, and diplomatic efforts.