U.S. State Department's Coordinator for Sanctions Policy Daniel Fried has stated that in case of settlement of the conflict in Donbas the United States could remove common sanctions against Russia, but will retain sanctions with respect to Crimea, the Ukrainian service of Radio Svoboda has reported.

"A satisfactory decision is likely to be achieved in the east of Ukraine, while Crimea will remain under Russian occupation. In this case we would remove general sanctions against Russia but remain sanctions with respect to Crimea. The United States and Europe specially introduced separate sanctions in relation to Crimea to have this opportunity," the official said.

Fried also said that Russia remains committed to a diplomatic solution to the conflict in the east of Ukraine, and this could happen in 2016.

"If we had not imposed sanctions, I do not know what the current situation in Ukraine would be. But I am sure that much worse. Do you remember Novorossiya, in which Russia claimed one-third of Ukraine? That idea disappeared. Russia is more oriented for a diplomatic solution. We accept this. And hope we'll achieve this in the current year," the U.S. diplomat added.