Mogherini: EU to Lift Anti-Russia Sanctions if Minsk Agreements Observed

News | 09.01.2015 | 00:03

Anti-Russian sanctions imposed by the European Union (EU) over Moscow's alleged role in the Ukrainian crisis, will be lifted if the Minsk agreements on ceasefire in Ukraine are fully observed, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said Thursday. “What I can for sure say — as it has always been the case — is that it will depend on the situation on the ground. If, and when, all Minsk points would be delivered, then for sure we won’t have sanctions any more. But we are far from that,” Mogherini told the press. Mogherini noted there have been positive signals demonstrating a slight shift in Moscow’s approach to the Ukrainian situation. However, the EU foreign policy chief said the developments were very limited. Mogherini's words echoed an earlier statement by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. After meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Merkel also cited adherence to the Minsk agreement as a key prerequisite for lifting the sanctions against Russia. Russia has seen several rounds of sanctions imposed by the West, based on accusations of Moscow meddling in the Ukrainian crisis. In particular, the restrictions targeted Russia’s banking, energy and defense sectors, hampering the country's cooperation with the West. In September 2014, the warring parties in eastern Ukraine agreed a ceasefire deal in Minsk, brokered by Russia and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Despite the signing of the agreement, Kiev forces and independence supporters have since accused each other of multiple episodes of breaking the truce. Sputnik

Tags: European Union Russia Ukraine