New EU sanctions will not force Russia to change policy on Ukraine – envoy

Map of Western CIS/FSU and European Environs

(Interfax – July 25, 2014) The sanctions introduced by the European Union against Russia will not force Moscow to change its policy on the situation in Ukraine, Russia’s permanent representative to the European Union Vladimir Chizhov has said, privately-owned Interfax news agency reported on 25 July.

“This is incorrect logic, to think that sanctions can force, in this case Russia, to change its policy,” he told Interfax by telephone, commenting on the decision taken by the EU on 25 July to expand its sanctions lists against Russian companies and individuals.

“The EU is continuing to move along the sanctions track, but these rails lead nowhere and are in no way a factor for facilitating a de-escalation of the situation in Ukraine. A solution can be found only by political means, through dialogue, and, in my view, this is clear to everyone,” Chizhov said.

He also said that the viewpoint that what is happening currently i n Ukraine is the result of Russia’s actions is erroneo! us.

“If the EU had objectively assessed the situation, then, probably, some measures of pressure, not necessarily sanctions but at least measures of diplomatic pressure on the Kiev authorities would have been useful,” Chizhov said.

Asked whether Russia will retaliate to the expansion of the EU’s sanction lists, he said that it is too early to speak about this, before the list is published officially.

“We are not advocates of communicating in the language of sanctions,” Chizhov added.

 

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