Washington ready to lift part of sanctions with the Russian Federation in case of implementation of the Minsk agreements, but the restrictions will be valid, as long as the Crimea remains from Russia, said the U.S. Ambassador in Moscow John Tefft.

"We have many times said that when the Minsk agreement will be fully implemented, some penalties will be charged. The penalties associated with the Crimea, will continue to operate as long as long as its occupation continues, " said he, answering the questions of users.

Crimea and Sevastopol became part of Russia according to the results of the March referendum in 2014. Reunification with Russia was supported by 96, 77% of Crimean inhabitants and 95, 6% of Sevastopol. However, Ukraine and Western countries did not want to recognize the will and imposed against the region's punishment.

sections: Politics