Leverage in negotiations: EU comments on possibility of easing Russia sanctions

This was stated by the EU’s chief sanctions representative, David O'Sullivan, in an interview with Bloomberg.  

According to him, the European Union has not discussed with the Trump administration any easing of sanctions on Russia as part of a ceasefire agreement.  

At the moment, most European leaders exclude the possibility of easing sanctions against Russia unless Moscow withdraws from the territories it has occupied in Ukraine.  

Bloomberg writes that Europe’s determination to maintain sanctions on Russia could become a point of tension with the U.S., as Trump insists on a swift end to the conflict in Ukraine. The EU, which is beginning discussions on a possible 17th package of restrictions, has made it clear that it is too early to discuss easing sanctions.  

“The view of the European Union is that this is a very important point of leverage in any negotiation with Russia and it should be used, but used judiciously and slowly and only in the context of arriving at a solution which is lasting and sustainable peace,” O’Sullivan said.

• Vadym Denysenko, political expert and journalist, believes that Putin will be ready to return to negotiations based on the results of the summer military campaign.