WSJ: EU is exploring the possibility of easing sanctions against Russia

The European Union can significantly soften sanctions against Russia and resume discussions with Moscow on a range of issues - from visa-free travel to cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union - if Russian President Vladimir Putin takes steps to end the crisis in eastern Ukraine.

This was reported by the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday.

The newspaper refers to the EU document prepared on the eve of the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on January 19, which has not yet been sent to the member states of the bloc.

According to the newspaper, he suggests a gradual normalization of many aspects of relations with Russia, which would mean a significant change in the current situation.

The document says that the changes will depend on the full implementation by Moscow of the agreement on peace and ceasefire in Ukraine, and compliance with its obligations under the gas contract with Kiev.

In addition, the EU expects that Russia will not put a spoke in the wheels in the implementation of the economic and political articles of the agreement between the European Union and Ukraine, the newspaper writes.

Although the document is intended only to outline topics for discussion, the Wall Street Journal notes that it is the first attempt by EU officials to ease tensions and offer Russia some incentives to increase its interest in easing tensions in Ukraine. In fact, the document reflects the position of those EU members who believe that the time has come when dialogue should be preferred over further pressure.

The document raises the question of the expediency of a “more active approach” on the part of the EU, which would include a number of possible concessions to induce Russia to change its policy, the Wall Street Journal points out.

One of the key ideas is to distinguish between EU sanctions, directly related to the Russian annexation of the Crimea, and other sanctions that can be lifted if the situation in eastern Ukraine normalizes, writes Wall Street Journal.

The first group of sanctions will remain in force as long as Moscow retains control over the Crimea, and this state of affairs is unlikely to change “in the short term,” the document admits. But "the EU should be ready to soften its position" with regard to other sanctions, "as soon as Russia will fulfill the Minsk agreements".

The document notes the possibility of enhancing cooperation with Russia in three main areas: foreign policy, trade and industry cooperation, the newspaper points out.

The document, in particular, notes the possibility of cooperation between the EU and Russia in the fight against the "Islamic state" in Syria and Iraq, as well as the coordination of policies in Libya, Iran and the Middle East peace process.

The document says that if Russia does not create new obstacles to the implementation of the trade agreement between the EU and Ukraine and takes steps to resolve existing trade disputes, the European Union may consider establishing official relations with the Eurasian Economic Union, in which Moscow plays a dominant role, writes "Voice of America".