Merkel: Measure for lifting sanctions against Russia is Ukraine's territorial integrity

19.12.201407:47

European leaders commented on the future of the relations with Russia at an EU summit on Thursday (18 December), EUobserver reports.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel told press that each batch of sanctions was imposed for specific reasons and can be lifted only if the reasons are no longer there.”We decided tonight that the measure for lifting sanctions will be [the] territorial integrity [of Ukraine],” she said.

Talking about the current situation in Russia’s economy British leader David Cameron sent out a similar message, saying: “We should keep those sanctions in place until Russia changes its behaviour and stops the aggression in Ukraine”.

French leader Francois Hollande was softer in his expressions. He said that the time is not right for France to resume arms sales to Russia by delivering the first of two contracted warships. But he noted there is “no need for new sanctions” and said “progress” on the ceasefire means there is a chance to “exit from the crisis”.

Polish former prime minister Donald Tusk, who now chairs EU summits, described Russia as a long-term “strategic challenge” that requires “practical and pragmatic” counter-measures, which are free of “ideology”.

The EU in March blacklisted Russian officials over the annexation of Crimea and in July targeted Russian banks and energy firms over its covert war in east Ukraine. It added more Crimea restrictions on Thursday. But the sanctions expire next year unless all 28 EU states agree to extend them.