Foreign minister not ready to drop sanctions against Russia

EU meeting to discuss improving frosty relations

With the Russian economy seemingly hurtling towards the abyss, the EU is on the fence about whether to ease its sanctions against the massive nation.

But the foreign minister, Martin Lidegaard, doesn't see any reason to drop the sanctions, arguing that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine needs to be resolved first.

”I don't think that it's the right time to ease sanctions,” Lidegaard said according to Jyllands-Posten newspaper. ”I don't see that happening until we re-establish a border between Ukraine and Russia.”

Lidegaard underlined that military materiel was still being transported across the Russian border into Ukraine.

READ MORE: Danish companies halt operations in Russia as rouble plummets

EU challenges ahead
Lidegaard is taking part in a EU meeting regarding the issue. The EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Federica Mogherini, called for the EU to look into possibility of easing the sanctions in order to improve relations with Russia.

The EU member states began sanctions against Russia and Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine in March last year, which eventually grew in scope to encompass entire sectors of the Russian economy.

Every individual sanction expires after a year and will not be renewed unless all 28 nations agree to an extension.




  • Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair has increased its cuts from the Billund-Aalborg route to encompass its entire operation to and from Billund Airport. The airline’s scarce communication is leaving both the airport and passengers scrambling for answers.

  • What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    As tradition has it, many Danes take a week off for Vinterferie next week. Or the week after. It’s a bit confusing, especially since Christmas and New Year’s Holiday are not far away. What’s going on?

  • The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    Denmark offers free public education, but private schools and universities for non-EU students require tuition. Language is a barrier, with international schools available for children and limited English-taught university programs. In 2024, Denmark expanded university seats for internationals and introduced an HF-international program in Aarhus.

  • Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF-international program in August, offering young adult internationals an alternative to IB programs with a focus on career-oriented education and Danish language learning. Unlike IB, it reduces academic pressure while providing access to vocational schools and professional bachelor’s degrees

  • Top Danish companies report strong financial performance

    Top Danish companies report strong financial performance

    Some of Denmark’s leading companies reported solid financial results for 2024, with Lundbeck, Demant, and Vestas seeing growth, while Pandora tackled rising production costs with price increases and cost-saving measures.

  • Greenland restricts foreign property purchases and election donations

    Greenland restricts foreign property purchases and election donations

    These days, the Greenlandic institutions are approving two new norms to restrict, reduce, or ban the possibility for foreign citizens to buy real estate on the island, as well as for political parties to receive large amounts of money from foreign donors.