The EU will maintain sanctions against Russia until the Minsk agreements are implemented. The condition for lifting the sanctions was announced by the head of the European Council Charles Michel on his Twitter.
He stressed that he is in contact with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky on the implementation of the agreements. In particular, Michel spoke about the discussions regarding the demarcation line in the Luhansk region.
In February, MEPs called on EU countries to be ready to tighten sanctions against Russia over Donbass, “if the situation so requires.” In addition, the European Parliament called for strengthening confidence-building measures and obtaining a mandate to deploy a UN peacekeeping mission, as well as facilitate the holding of local elections.
The territorial conflict in Donbass has been going on for over six years. In April 2014, the Ukrainian authorities launched a military operation against the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, which proclaimed independence from Kiev after the change of power in the country. In 2015, the Minsk agreements were signed, which imply the granting of a special status to the region and the holding of local elections.
