EU diplomats insist on continued sanctions against Russia

EU foreign affairs and security leader Federica Mogherini reiterated on Monday that sanctions against Russia regarding Ukraine must stay in force. Mogherini mentioned both Crimea and the Minsk agreement when speaking about the need to continue the sanctions.

“I cannot say where the U.S. administration stands on this, but I can say where the Europeans stand on this,” Mogherini said to reporters.

James Hydzik: Mogherini’s statement points to continuity in Europe while the new U.S. administration finds its feet. Moreover, given statements by both President Trump and Vice President Pence last week regarding Ukraine and maintaining the sanctions regime, all indicators thus far still point toward U.S. policy on the matter staying in the same direction in the near term. Given the recent burst of fighting across the whole ATO front and especially in Avdiyivka, no change is expected from the Russian side, either.