European Parliament sees no reason to lift sanctions on Russia following release of Savchenko Thursday, May 26, 2016 10:14:00 AM

The Member of the European Parliament for Alliance 90/The Greens, Rebecca Harms, stated in her interview with Deutsche Welle that the European Parliament sees no reason for lifting sanctions against the Russian Federation following the release of Ukrainian pilot, Nadiya Savchenko. According to Harms, the exchange of prisoners and hostages is only a part of Minsk Agreements and isn’t the most essential part.

Harms noted that the restoration of Ukraine’s control over certain areas of Ukrainian-Russian border, the observance of ceasefire and the withdrawal of heavy weapons are more important. “But this isn’t what happened so far. That is why I see little reason for the discussion of lifting of the sanctions. Quite the contrary, sanctions are important tools for exerting pressure on Russia through diplomatic means,” she said.

Harms also added that the international community should not forget about the other Ukrainian citizens kept behind bars in Russia.

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