In 2016 the Western penalties against Russia have the opportunity to be weak, said the head of the Ministry of agriculture of Germany Christian Schmidt in conversation to the newspaper.

"We are seeing that the Russian Federation is committed to resolving the situation on Ukraine, for this reason punishment cannot be sustained forever. I think some changes will be in the coming year, " said Schmidt.

the Minister also did not rule out that the Russian food embargo imposed in response to Western punishment, has the ability to be revised.

"in the beginning of next year I will go to the capital of Russia, to prepare the restoration of cooperation. If you will see that the peace efforts of Russia in Ukraine continues, I shall, without doubt, you can imagine that after the abolition of the punishment We will resume exports and investments in the Russian Federation ", - said Schmidt.

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 from point penalties against certain individuals and organizations have moved to the measures against entire sectors of the Russian economy. In response, Russia restricted imports of food items from countries that have imposed against her punishment. In June 2015, in response to the extension of the sanctions Russia has extended food embargo until 5 August 2016.

Moscow has stated many times that completely uninvolved in the events in southeastern Ukraine, not a party to domestic conflict and is interested in Ukraine overcame political and economic crisis.

sections: Politics