Merkel called the main condition for the lifting of sanctions against Russia

Фото: Depositphotos

The European Union will lift sanctions from Russia only after Ukraine regains control over its eastern border.

This was stated by German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the congress of her party CDU on Friday, 3 June, reports the German edition Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

“I am convinced that Russia is gradually, step by step, moving towards a common European economic zone from Vladivostok to Lisbon,” she said.

But she added that such aspirations can not force the EU to sacrifice its principles in the face of Russian aggression in Ukraine.

She recalled that the sanctions were imposed because of Russian support for separatists in the east of Ukraine, and the Minsk agreements concluded in February 2015, implying a cease-fire and the restoration of Kiev’s control over the eastern borders of Ukraine, must be implemented.

Merkel recalled that Germany and France insist on a real cease-fire and the holding of local elections in the Donbass.

The Chancellor stressed that for this, Ukraine must finally gain access to its borders.

“If this happens, we can immediately end the sanctions,” Merkel said.

Read also on ForumDaily:

G7 countries agreed to extend sanctions against Russia

Obama and leaders of Northern Europe want to extend sanctions against Russia

In Russia, they want to impose sanctions against Hillary Clinton

EU decided to lift sanctions on Alexander Lukashenko

Go to the page ForumDaily on Facebook to keep abreast of the latest news and comment material.