[Moscow / Paris, 9th Reuters]-The French government said on the 9th that Europe and Russia should overcome each other's distrust and focus on improving relations, and then it is time to lift the EU sanctions against Russia Said it was too early.
In 2014, the EU imposed sanctions on Russia after Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula in southern Ukraine and supported pro-Russian militants in eastern Ukraine.
Recently, however, it seems that tension has eased, and Russia and Ukraine exchanged prisoners on the 7th, and Western countries welcomed the improvement of the relationship.
French Foreign Minister Rudrien said, “After the ministerial consultation on foreign affairs and defense in Russia and Russia (2 plus 2) in Moscow,“ the time has come to reduce distrust between Russia and Europe. Should also be a partner. " “It is not yet time to lift the sanctions, but we have a new feeling compared to the past few years, which is nice.”
President Macron has taken a stance of accepting, rather than turning his back on, a country that is hostile to Western countries, but the results vary. In addition to inviting Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Palace of Versailles, he invited him to his villa in August, calling for reconciliation between Europe and Russia after showing discomfort with Russia's crackdown on anti-government protests.
The Russian side stated that Foreign Minister Labrov will continue to work with France to defend the Iran nuclear agreement. Defense Minister Shoig said he invited the French Minister of Defense Parli to the annual military parade held in Red Square next year. However, they did not mention how Russia would establish a future relationship with Europe.
