G7 summit participants in Germany to consider Russia relations via prism of fulfilment of Minsk agreements – source
The debate on the Ukraine situation at the G7 summit scheduled to be held in Germany on June 7-8 will address the prospect of relations with Russia through the prism of fulfillment by Moscow of the Minsk agreements, a high-ranking EU official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told reporters in Brussels on Friday.
The source said that U.S. partners would like to discuss this issue in the context of further sanctions, but a political decision was made for the EU back in March by the Council of Europe, which linked further sanction options to the fulfillment of the Minsk agreements. The EU intends to discuss relations with Russia in this context at the meting, the source said.
When asked to be more specific about the prospect of sanctions, the source said it is now too early to make any predictions, especially about the easing of restrictions. The source added that it is clear that the situation in Ukraine will not improve before the G7 summit.
The source called the talks about a possible extension of the sanctions against Russia speculation. He said that the meeting will address political, not technical issues. He said that the political aspect is important, and if the EU decides to extend the sanctions, they will most likely be extended by six months. However, the source said it is clear that the G7 does not make decisions on such issues.