Berlin - The EU should now define criteria for a possible removal of restrictive measures against Russia, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has said in an interview with the German newspaper Die Zeit.
“Even if now it’s not the time to cancel sanctions against Russia, we must think about our steps in this direction in the future,” the minister said.
According to Frank-Walter Steinmeier, it is necessary to fulfill three conditions for lifting sanctions against Russia.
“Firstly, the sides should release the buffer zone and refuse the use of heavy weapons. Secondly, the effective protection of the border [between Russia and Ukraine]. Thirdly, it is necessary to hold regional elections, scheduled for December, in the areas controlled by separatists,” the politician said.
According to him, Germany has raised the issue on the future of restrictive measures against Russia at the last meeting of the EU Council.
