Trump says too early to speak about lifting anti-Russian sanctions

WASHINGTON/PARIS, Jan 30 (PRIME) – It is premature to discuss lifting of the Western sanctions from Russia, U.S. President Donald Trump said in a press conference with British Prime Minister Theresa May late on January 27.

“I hear a call (with Russian President Vladimir Putin) was set up, and we will see what happens. As far as the sanctions, very early to be talking about that,” he said.

But he also said that he hopes for good relations with Russia. Trump said he intends to represent his country firmly, and to work with Russia on elimination of ISIS jointly.

May said that the U.K. will insist on keeping the anti-Russia sanctions until the Minsk agreements are implemented.

On January 28, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said after a meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault that the two countries have a common position on the Russian sanctions -- they may only be relieved after the implementation of the Minsk agreements.

Ayrault said that a long-lasting solution of the Ukrainian conflict is necessary. “I'm talking about the Minsk deal implementation, first and foremost, which should be realized as soon as possible. And it should be done in a productive and constructive dialogue with Russia, open and resolute. It is essential to avoid the Cold War logic,” he said.

In 2014, relations between Russia and the West deteriorated to their worse since the Cold War due to a military conflict in Ukraine. The West introduced sanctions against some Russian individuals and firms and further against the energy 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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