Brussels: The Foreign Affairs Council meeting concluded with a comprehensive discussion led by High Representative Kaja Kallas, focusing on Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, and various regional conflicts. The council gathered foreign ministers for a thorough examination of ongoing geopolitical tensions and the EU's strategic responses. According to European Union, the session began with an urgent discussion on the plight of Ukrainian civilian detainees held illegally in Russian prisons, with evidence of torture and denial of due process. In response, the EU has enforced sanctions targeting Russia's prison system and pledged to enhance support for NGOs assisting victims. A new informal group has been established to coordinate international efforts for the release of detainees. The council also addressed the battlefield situation in Ukraine and the importance of strengthening its energy resilience. Anticipating potential attacks on Ukraine's power grid, the EU is mobilizing resources such as generators and spare parts. The United States' decision to allow Kyiv to produce Patriot missiles under license was noted as a significant, albeit time-consuming, development. The EU continues to impose unprecedented sanctions on Russia, with the latest measures forming part of a massive sanctions package targeting over 250 entities since Russia's 2022 invasion. Cybersecurity also took center stage, with the EU and the UK jointly sanctioning entities involved in Russian cyber-attacks. This marks the largest cyber sanctions package ever adopted by the EU, with plans to summon a Russian representative to the European Union over these cyber activities. The council expressed strong condemnation of the International Olympic Committee's decision to invite Russian athletes back to international competitions, amid ongoing aggression by Russia. Additionally, the EU will halt funding to the Venice Biennale to prevent cultural events from being misused as tools for whitewashing aggression. Discussions extended to the Black Sea stra tegy, Armenia, and Moldova, with new initiatives and support packages announced to counter external pressures and enhance regional security. In the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus raised concerns about Trkiye's gas pipeline plans, prompting the EU to reiterate its expectation of respect for the sovereignty of all EU Member States. The council also examined the Middle East situation, condemning Iran's attacks on commercial shipping and emphasizing the importance of unimpeded navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The EU is forging closer ties with Gulf nations, having launched negotiations for a strategic partnership agreement with Bahrain. In Gaza, the stalled peace process and support for the Palestinian people were highlighted, with the EU reaffirming its role as a major donor and advocate for a two-state solution. The council also revisited the issue of Israeli settlements, proposing options to restrict trade with products from illegal settlements, aiming to uphold international law and support the two-state solution. The meeting concluded with discussions on EU-UN relations, the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The EU expanded its sanctions against Sudan, targeting key funding sources for the conflict, and announced plans for diplomatic engagement in Ethiopia to address the crisis.