Russia lifts sanctions on Ukraine

Ukrainians have reacted with anger to calls from freed Russian political prisoners, including Vladimir Kara-Murza and Ilya Yashin, for easing sanctions and initiating negotiations, asserting that such moves ignore the collective responsibility of Russian society for the ongoing war. Ukrainian officials, including Andriy Yermak, emphasized that sanctions should be strengthened to restrain Russia's military aggression and highlighted that the main goal should be the liberation of Russia from Putin's regime. Meanwhile, a new $1.7 billion aid package for Ukraine was announced by the Biden administration, amidst a divided American public regarding continued support for Ukraine. A recent survey showed significant partisan differences in opinions about U.S. aid, with Democrats more likely to support ongoing assistance than Republicans. Lithuanian officials also criticized Russian oppositionists, arguing that ordinary Russians must be held accountable for their role in the war crimes committed in Ukraine. Overall, Ukrainian leaders maintain that sanctions are crucial to undermining the Russian military-industrial complex and achieving peace.