The majority of political forces in Germany does not see grounds for lifting sanctions from Russia, German Ambassador to Ukraine Ernst Reichel has said.

"A broad consensus has been reached at the political level, maybe apart from leftist parties, including what used to be the Communist party. At present there are no conditions for lifting sanctions," he said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

The ambassador said that there are different opinions regarding extension of sanctions against Russia among German economic associations and individual businessmen.

"I know that Ukraine is attentively monitoring the discussions held among German economic associations and individual businessmen. I have an impression that maybe you pay too much attention to this issue. We have an open pluralistic discussion and everyone can present his or her opinion. There are different opinions," Reichel said.

The German diplomat said that Ukraine should not provide any reasons to doubt that it fulfills the Minsk agreements.