USA: sanctions can be weakened only in case of progress in eastern Ukraine

International sanctions against Russia can be gradually canceled only in case of "tangible progress" in the settlement of the situation in eastern Ukraine. This was stated by the representative of the State Department Jen Psaki during a daily briefing. However, the United States has not yet seen the grounds to weaken the pressure on Moscow.

“It was our position, as well as the position of our European and other partners from the very beginning. If Russia and the separatists fulfill the obligations adopted by each party in Minsk, we will be able to begin the weakening of some sanctions. But there can be no weakening until there is tangible progress at the place of the conflict,” Psaki said.

Under the progress in the settlement of the situation, the United States understands “not just words”, but real steps, in particular, the withdrawal of troops, the representative of the State Department explained.

“As always, we highly value cooperation with our European partners in the implementation of sanctions, and we expect that we will continue to act synchronously with them, moving forward,” Psaki emphasized.

Thus, Psaki commented on the statement by France President Francois Hollande , made on the air of the France Inter radio station on Monday. He emphasized that the removal of anti -Russian sanctions is possible only if the progress is achieved in the settlement of the crisis in Ukraine.

"I think that the sanctions should be stopped. They must be lifted if there is progress. If there is no progress, the sanctions will remain," Olland said.

According to the French president, he has high hopes for negotiations in Astana, scheduled for January 15. The presidents of Russia and Ukraine Vladimir Putin and Petro Poroshenko should meet there. The negotiations will also take part in Hollande and Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel.

On Monday, Minister of Economics, Vice-Chancellor of Germany Sigmar Gabriel said that the purpose of sanctions imposed on Russia is to return it to the negotiating table in order to resolve the crisis in Ukraine. At the same time, he warned against strengthening measures that can destabilize the Russian economy and politics.

“We want to help resolve the conflict in Ukraine, and not to put Russia on their knees,” said Gabriel. “Those who want to destabilize Russia even more in economically and political terms are pursuing completely different interests.”

According to him, in Europe and the United States there are forces who want to "finally put another opponent on the shoulder blades of another rival," but this does not correspond to German and European interests.

“If Russia, in addition, cannot be a partner in resolving conflicts, then this will have explosive consequences for the whole world,” said the Vice -Chancellor.