German Foreign Ministry proposes gradual lifting of sanctions against Russia

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel proposed partially lifting sanctions against Russia.

A lasting ceasefire in eastern Ukraine is a crucial moment in reducing 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 said.

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.