EU official unsure of US dedication to keep anti-Russian sanctions

BRUSSELS, Feb 13 (PRIME) -- The U.S. and the E.U. have agreed to maintain the anti-Russian sanctions until the Minsk agreements are implemented, but Brussels is not sure in Washington’s dedication to keep the measure, E.U. foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said late on February 10 during her visit to the U.S.

Mogherini said she met with U.S. lawmakers, including U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, to discuss the topic and the meetings were positive. “In particular, we have agreed that as long as the Minsk agreements are not fully implemented, sanctions would remain in place,” she said.

This is an essential point for the E.U., she said adding that she believes “in Congress this is an essential point as well.”

“I think Europeans will continue to be united on that, I don’t know if the Americans will be united on that, but the Europeans will…I cannot answer for the United States. I can say I was receiving reassuring messages, but I don’t know if there will be divisions in the United States on this. I hope not,” she said.

Relations between Russia and the West worsened in 2014 due to a military conflict in Ukraine. The West introduced sanctions against some Russian individuals and firms and against oil, gas, and banking sectors. In response, Russia limited food imports from some countries, including the U.S., the E.U., Canada, Australia, and Norway.

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