There is no reason to change existing EU policy regarding Russia, emphasized Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis at the European Council meeting on 20 October in Brussels.
During discussions with the Presidents and Prime Ministers of the European Union, M. Kučinskis highlighted the need for further pressure on Russia while continuing dialogue with Russia in order to reach a solution in Eastern Ukraine and Syria.
There was a broad agreement on this issue among most EU leaders who recognized that the feeling towards Russia has radically changed over recent months. In the spring of this year, some EU countries thought it was possible to ease sanctions against Russia; however, this option is no longer tolerated following attacks by the Bashar al-Assad regime and its allies, including Russia, on the Syrian city of Aleppo.
This European Council did not adopt a decision regarding new sanctions against Russia, but agreed that such sanctions are permitted if military attacks on Syrian civilians continue.
There is also consensus within the European Council on the need to work to ensure humanitarian access to Aleppo and other Syrian cities and to promote the development of the political process within the UN framework.
It is emphasized that the five fundamental principles of the EU in relations with Russia – the implementation of the Minsk agreement, the strengthening of relations with the Eastern Partnership countries, the strengthening of EU's resilience as regards energy security, hybrid threats and strategic communication, selective cooperation on foreign policy and other matters, and the support for Russian civil society are still effective.
As announced, from 20-21 October, M. Kučinskis is visiting Brussels to participate in work of the European Council.
Supplementary information:
Andrejs Vaivars
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister
Phone: 29228678
E-mail: Andrejs.Vaivars@mk.gov.lv