The expert allowed the postponement of new EU sanctions due to the start of negotiations on Ukraine

The European Union (EU) countries may postpone the adoption of a new package of sanctions against Russia if Russia and Ukraine resume negotiations. Denis Denisov, an expert at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, told Izvestia on May 13.

"Several European leaders have already unequivocally stated that if the negotiations [between Russia and Ukraine] are not fruitful or do not take place at all, the EU will adopt this next sanctions package against the Russian Federation," he said.

According to him, the Europeans want to synchronize the adoption of their package with the American one.

"The position of the parties is somewhat different here. And there is no common understanding yet," the expert emphasized.

Denisov noted that although Hungary and Slovakia periodically express skepticism about the EU's common position on sanctions against Russia, they are likely to vote for them too. In addition, he added, in case of disagreement of certain members of the union, various legal gaps can be used.

"We remember how about a year ago, when Hungary categorically opposed the new package, the European Commission (EC) suspended Hungary's participation in the EU for five minutes and voted <...> And a new package of sanctions was adopted. Therefore, there are always tricks and various tools for such manipulations," he commented.

"It is in the interests of the European Union to lift sanctions as soon as possible"

Deputy Chairman of the Slovak Parliament Tibor Gaspar — on the development of relations with the Russian Federation, prospects for Ukraine's membership in NATO and cooperation with BRICS

Earlier in the day, the Handelsblatt newspaper reported that the EU countries would not be able to agree on tough measures in the new package of anti-Russian sanctions, as this would provoke protest from some countries that are part of the association. It is noted that controversial proposals were not included in the list of sanctions, as this could have caused a veto from Hungary or Slovakia.

The head of EU diplomacy, Kaya Kallas, at a press conference following the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Warsaw on May 8, said that the EC intends to adopt the 17th package of sanctions against Russia by May 20.

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said on April 25 that anti-Russian sanctions had not hindered Russia's economic development. He noted that the Russian economy has grown by 4.1% over the past two years.