SOCHI, October 25. /TASS/. The European Union imposes sanctions against Russia only to demonstrate its unity, dean of the world economy and world politics department at the Higher School of Economics Sergey Karaganov told reporters on the sidelines of the Valdai Club meeting in the southern Russian city of Sochi.

"This in not funny anymore," he said. "Because everyone understands that sanctions lead to the result opposite to the desired one."

"The sanctions against Russia is the only matter that provides the EU with an opportunity to demonstrate its unity. Meanwhile, everybody has already realized that the sanctions are not effective, so by imposing them the EU inflicts damage on itself," Karaganov emphasized.

He also expressed doubt that the contradictions between Russia and the West, including those over Syria, would entail nuclear war.

"I hope no war breaks out as the fear of the nuclear hell still remains," the Russian expert said adding that the situation of 1962 and 1984, when there was a feeling that a fatal mistake may be made, is being echoed now.

According to Karaganov, Russia has been showing readiness to ensure nuclear restraint, which is a reminder to our counterparts who begin to forget these fundamental things.