Josep Borrell
The representative of the head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, Peter Stano, in an interview with Interfax, spoke about the development of new sanctions against Russia.
Speaking about the new restrictive measures, he stressed that at this stage the process is confidential, so the association is not ready to comment on it. “As a rule, we do not provide any information or comment on any current procedures in the working instances of the EU Council,” Stano said.
At the same time, he recalled the recent statement by Borrell, who noted the distance between Russia and the European Union, and added that the head of diplomacy mentioned Brussels' plans to discuss further actions during the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, scheduled for February 22. Stano emphasized that the decision to introduce restrictive measures is taken by a unanimous vote of all member states of the association.
Borrell was in Russia on an official visit from 4 to 6 February. On February 5, he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. A few days later, the head of EU diplomacy allowed the introduction of new sanctions against Russia. He also reproached the Russian Federation for its unwillingness to restore constructive relations with Europe.
The Kremlin reacted to Borrell's words about new sanctions and stressed that it was following the diplomat's statements. Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov recalled Moscow's interest in dialogue with Brussels, despite the existence of problematic issues.
