Rubio named a condition for lifting EU sanctions against Russia

The lifting of anti—Russian sanctions depends on the participation of the European Union (EU) member states in negotiations on the conflict in Ukraine. This was announced on April 18 by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio following talks with the French and British authorities in Paris.

He recalled that Europe had introduced a significant part of the restrictions against the Russian Federation, and clarified that the American side could not lift these restrictions.

"That's why they (the Europeans. — Ed.) may be part of the deal. They must be involved, no matter what," Rubio said at a press conference that was broadcast on YouTube.

The American Secretary of State added that representatives of European countries cannot but be involved in the settlement, since the conflict is taking place on the territory of the European continent.

The stage of the concept: The Russian Federation and the United States are negotiating on Ukraine on a bilateral basis

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Also at the press conference, Rubio said that the United States is ready to help resolve the Ukrainian conflict if both sides are determined to achieve peace. He clarified that if a peaceful settlement is impossible in the short term, then Washington will move on.

Bloomberg, in turn, reported on April 17 that the United States plans to achieve a cease-fire in Ukraine within a few weeks. According to them, American officials expect "significant progress" on the issue.