The sanctions being imposed by the European Union against Russia will not force Moscow to change its policy on the situation in Ukraine, said Russia's Ambassador to the EU Vladimir Chizhov.
“This logic is wrong, to think that sanctions can force, in this instance, Russia, to change its policy,” he told Interfax by phone, commenting on the EU’s July 25 decision to extend the sanctions list against Russian individuals and companies.
“The EU continues moving down the sanctions track, but these rails are not leading anywhere and by no means are they a factor for helping the de-escalation in Ukraine. A solution can only be found politically, through dialogue, which, in my view, is obvious to everyone,” Chizhov said.
Concurrently, he called erroneous the view that what is now happening in Ukraine is the result of Russia’s actions.
“Had the EU assessed the situation objectively, probably some pressure or measures, not necessarily sanctions but at least measures of diplomatic pressure on the authorities would have been useful,” the Russian diplomat said.
Asked whether Russia will retaliate to the extension of the EU sanctions lists, he said it is too soon to talk about it before the new list of individuals and companies is published officially.
At the same time, Chizhov said: “We are not advocates of communication in the language of sanctions.”
