Western sanctions against Russia can be eased if it helps ensure security and justice for Ukraine. This was stated by the authorized representative of the President of Ukraine on sanctions policy, Vladyslav Vlasyuk, informs Political.
Vladyslav Vlasyuk noted that the restoration of economic ties with countries that have business relations with Russia is only a “matter of time”, but this can only happen under appropriate conditions. According to Vlasyuk, economic restrictions, embargoes and bans on the import of Russian energy resources have a specific purpose – “to encourage Russia to stop aggression and agree on a lasting peace”, and not to be simply “a form of punishment”.
He also emphasized that at the moment it is “premature to talk about specific sanctions that may become part of any agreements.” First of all, Russia must take “substantial steps in the right direction”, and only after that it will be possible to hold a discussion on the possible lifting of sanctions.
“We can already see that the Russians are trying to raise the issue of the possibility of lifting some sanctions, which gives us a better understanding of which ones are the most painful. It’s important to know what causes the most damage and use that leverage wisely.” Vlasyuk stressed.
The official noted that at the moment it is still too early to talk about what kind of sanctions could be the subject of possible agreements. According to him, first of all, it is important to make sure that Russia will take significant steps in the right direction, and only after that it will be possible to start discussing the issue of lifting sanctions.
