Merkel: Sanctions against Russia will be lifted when Ukraine gains control over its borders
Sanctions against Russia will be lifter only after Ukraine gains full control over its borders, as stated by German Chancellor Angela Merkel during the Congress of the Christian Democratic Union, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung rerported.
“I am convinced that Russia is slowly moving towards integration into the common European economic zone from Vladivostok to Lisbon,” Merkel said.
“At the same time, despite the aspirations of the EU to accept Russia into the common European economy, we cannot forget that our principles have been challenged by Russian aggression in Ukraine,” the German Chancellor stated.
She noted that the sanctions were imposed as a result of Russia’s support of the separatist in eastern Ukraine. Germany and France insist on a ceasefire in the Donbas and that local elections be held in the areas under separatist control.
Merkel stressed that Ukraine should finally gain full control over its eastern borders. “If this happens we can immediately lift the sanctions against Russia” she said