The EU's decision to extend the punishment relative to Russia Were expected in relations between Moscow and Brussels, it will not change anything, says the head of the Presidium of the Russian Council on foreign and defense policy Fyodor Lukyanov.

on Wednesday, the Agency citing sources informed that the permanent Plenipotentiaries of the member countries of the European Union approved the extension of economic sanctions against Russia by six months until the end of January 2016. A source close to the leadership of the EU, confirmed Last news that the resolution was approved and will be formally enshrined next Monday at the Council of foreign Ministers of the European Union.

"It was long Clear that punishment will not be abolished," said this Lukyanov.

He also expressed his opinion about the fact that the Russian Authorities had predicted developments in this vein.

"It seems to me that in the capital of Russia if there were Some time ago, after the signing and commencement of implementation of the Minsk agreements any hope of redemption European position, it then became clear that nothing can be expected. For this reason, much frustration will not " - said the expert.

according to him, this Decision, by and large, will not affect current relations between Russia and the European Union." it changes nothing, because they are So bad, " said Lukyanov.

"Naturally, these Relations will not improve. What would be the point?" - He noted.

the specialist suggested that Moscow, for its part, will extend the restrictive measures against the EU, but to tighten them will not." I think Everything will remain as it is - they have extended, and we will extend", He said.

Lukyanov also explained the condition of the observance of the Minsk agreements, which the European countries have put forward, when it comes to a possible lifting of sanctions against Russia.

"It is possible to connect With anything. The political situation is very clear and understandable. Yes, the Minsk agreement is a complex document: a little fact that Everything is painted before the end of the year, there's still go and prove that you have done, and what didn't work. All foggy. So there is a Political will, it means that it is interpreted as the fulfillment and the possibility of removing, weakening of punishment. There is not political will, but it is clearly Not currently the leading European countries, a reason why this should not be done, there one way or another, " He said.

Relations between Russia and the West deteriorated in connection With the situation in Ukraine. At the end of July 2014, the EU and the US imposed penalties against a number of sectors of the Russian economy. In response, Russia restricted imports of food items from countries that have entered against her punishment.

The Ukrainian authorities began in April last year in the Donbass military operation against dissatisfied with the coup d'etat citizens of the region. According to the summary data of the UN, the victims of the conflict were about 6, 5 thousand people. The settlement of the situation in the Donbass is discussed, as well as among them, during meetings in Minsk contact group, which Since September of last year already took 3 of the document governing the steps to de-escalate the conflict.


Western countries Since March 2014 several times already imposed penalties because Russia's position on Ukraine. The last case of the use of such practices were the limits imposed in March 2015, when expanded sanctions List of the USA. In addition, the summit "the Big seven" in Bavaria it Was decided to extend the punishment against Russia, and the United States considering the introduction of a new.

The list of Russian citizens and organizations who have fallen under the punishment - in the material of the Fins news

sections: Politics