Restrictive measures imposed by the European Union against Russia are targeted at Russian companies and individuals involved in actions aimed at undermining Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, and such sanctions do not prevent Russia from combating the coronavirus epidemic.

European Commission spokesperson Peter Stano said this while answering journalists' questions about the response to a request by a group of MEPs to the EU leadership not to ease sanctions against Russia under the pretext of its fight against the coronavirus, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

On the whole, EU and UN sanctions provide for humanitarian exceptions, Stano said. But as far as Russia is concerned, sanctions are directed against Russian companies and persons associated with the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol, so these sanctions are imposed as a result of actions undermining Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. This means that these sanctions do not deter Russia from counteracting the coronavirus outbreak, the EU spokesman said.

He confirmed that the EU leadership had received such a letter from MEPs so it would be answered through usual channels.

In addition, Stano recalled that last Friday, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell issued a declaration on behalf of all EU countries, stating that international sanctions should not impede the delivery of essential equipment and supplies necessary to fight the coronavirus and limit its spread worldwide.

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