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Anti-Russian sanctions

Russian diplomat: EU understands sanctions against Moscow senseless

Media reports said on Thursday that the EU will consider the issue on extending or lifting the sanctions against Russia at a summit in June

© AP Photo/Yves Logghe

ANTI-RUSSIAN SANCTIONS

MUNICH, February 12. /TASS/. The understanding grows among the EU countries that the sanctions introduced against Moscow are senseless, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexei Meshkov said on Friday.

"The sanctions that were introduced have no sense. The understanding of this grows in the capitals of the EU member-states," Meshkov said, adding that the sanctions have resulted in serious losses both for Russia and the EU.

The diplomat reiterated that Moscow’s position is very clear. "Russia did not introduce sanctions and it is not us who are to lift them. But we are well aware that the sanctions harm our economy and that our response measures affect the economy of the EU countries."

Media reports said on Thursday that the EU will consider the issue on extending or lifting the sanctions against Russia at a summit in June.

The EU and the US introduced sanctions against the whole sectors of Russia’s economy in July 2014. Russia responded by limiting the imports of goods from the countries that imposed sanctions. In late June 2015, Russia extended the food embargo until August 5, 2016 in response to the extension of Western sanctions.

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