Merkel's advisor: It's too early to lift sanctions on Russia
The discussion surrounding the cancellation of EU sanctions against Russia is premature, as stated by the German Chancellor's foreign policy advisor, Christoph Heusgen, Deutsche Welle reports. "If the current situation stays the same, I see no reason for sanctions not to be extended for another six months," Heusgen said.
He indicated that the removal of restrictive measures on Russia is connected to the implementation of the Minsk Agreements. At the same time, according to Heusgen, the Minsk Agreements have not been implemented yet.
In eastern Ukraine the ceasefire is not actually being observed, the OSCE observers cannot travel throughout the east of the country and local elections have not been held, Heusgen said. It was previously reported that German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said that gradual lifting of sanctions against Russia is possible if there is progress in resolving the situation in the Donbas.