German Foreign Ministry proposes gradual lifting of sanctions against Russia

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel proposed a partial lifting of sanctions against Russia.

A lasting ceasefire in eastern Ukraine is a crucial moment in easing sanctions pressure, the head of the German Foreign Ministry stressed.

“If the Russian Federation is ready to do this, then they must get something in return,” the minister stated.

Mr Gabriel also called the idea of ​​lifting all EU sanctions at once "divorced from reality".

According to the German Foreign Minister, the gradual easing of restrictions must begin before Russia fully implements the Minsk agreements.