Sanctions against the Russian Federation could be lifted if talks between Kyiv and Moscow lead to an end to hostilities in Ukraine, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said in an interview with NBC.
“We will see what Ukraine does, what it wants to do. And if (negotiations between Russia and Ukraine – ed.) End the war … and this will eventually require the lifting of sanctions, of course,” he said in response to a question about the possibility lifting of sanctions against the Russian Federation depending on the negotiation process.
The chief diplomat of Washington stressed that the sanctions will not necessarily be lifted, as their goal is to change the policy of the Russian Federation. Blinken noted that such developments will depend on Russia’s actions.
At the same time, in an interview with CNN, Blinken revealed that the United States is constantly discussing with its allies to further strengthen sanctions against the Russian Federation.
“We are in constant conversation with allies and partners on how to most effectively expand and strengthen sanctions,” he said, adding that at the same time, Washington is focusing on meeting Europe’s energy needs.
He said the United States and its allies would continue to hand over weapons to Ukraine.