Security in Europe cannot exist without Russia.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker stated that lifting sanctions against Russia in the near future is not yet possible, but he emphasized that the European Union needs to treat Russia as an equal partner.

The President of the European Commission declared that European security cannot exist without Russia.

"At this moment, I see no reason to lift sanctions against Russia. But I very much hope that we and Russia can reach an agreement that goes beyond conventional frameworks. Without Russia, it is impossible to build security in Europe," the European official said.

Mr. Juncker reminded that Russia possesses a territory three times the size of Europe. The Russian Federation should be treated with respect as a "great unified nation and a people with self-respect," and should be spoken to on equal terms.

According to Sputnik