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Finnish PM believes isolating Russia not in EU interests

The Finnish PM urges to continue dialogue with Russia

© EPA/TATYANA ZENKOVICH

HELSINKI, August 22. /TASS/ The European Union is not keen on isolating Russia and cutting ties, Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila stated at a meeting with Finland’s diplomatic chiefs of mission.

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"We need to continue the dialogue with Russia. Finland adheres to the EU’s policy of sanctions that was introduced in the wake of Ukrainian conflict. And regrettably, the implementation of the Minsk agreements, upon which the lifting of sanctions depends, remains stuck in the mud. Nevertheless, isolating Russia is not in anyone's interest and that is why we need to communicate", Sipila stressed.

He noted that Finland in particular "had been able to keep in contact with Russia in different situations". The PM also reiterated that in October the European Council plans to hold talks on the EU’s relations with Russia.

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