If the Italian authorities refrain from applying restrictive measures against Russia, the European country will face major problems. With such a threatening statement made by the US Special Representative for Ukraine Kurt Volcker. "Italy will not be able to lift sanctions against Russia without serious consequences," the politician said in an interview with the Italian newspaper La Stampa. He recalled that the restrictions against Moscow are "not Italian, but European measures". At the same time, the unilateral decision of Rome on this issue, according to the special representative, would lead to a serious misunderstanding between the European Union and the United States. According to Volker, the sanctions are an effective mechanism for resolving the conflict in Ukraine. It is they who stimulate Moscow to fulfill its obligations under the Minsk agreements, the American said, losing sight of the fact that the US did not offer anything that would encourage Kiev to fulfill the agreements reached to achieve peace. Volcker believes that the EU should not only maintain sanctions against Russia, but also go on increasing. "It would be extremely useful" if the countries of Europe followed the example of Washington and would further bend the anti-Russian line: "It is necessary to maintain the sanctions regime and discuss the possibility of their tightening". Many Italian politicians have repeatedly stated about the need for the speedy lifting of sanctions against the Russian Federation, in particular the leader of the center-right "League" Matteo Salvini. Following the results of the March parliamentary elections, he became a candidate for the post of head of government. Salvini is known for his harsh criticism of anti-Russian measures. He repeatedly stated that, if he takes the post of Prime Minister of Italy, will require the lifting of restrictions from Moscow. The same want and the inhabitants of other European countries. Moreover, in Germany, most residents think that Washington is the main danger for the country, and not Moscow. A survey conducted by the Forsa Institute, commissioned by Wiese Consult GmbH, showed that more than 75% of respondents are afraid of US policy and of Donald Trump personally. They believe that Trump conducts a policy that is dangerous for them. At the same time, only 17% of Germans believe that Russia and personally Vladimir Putin represent any threat to Germany. About 83% of the inhabitants of the country are sure that Russia is more a friend of Germany. The United States in early April introduced a new package of restrictions against the defendants of the so-called Kremlin report - the most influential officials and businessmen of the Russian Federation.

After this, the stock market of Russia collapsed, the national currency lost 10% of its value. Moscow threatened Washington with retaliatory measures. The bill on sanctions restrictions against the US last week was submitted to the State Duma. Today, at a meeting of the Duma Council, a decision will be made about its future fate. Earlier, Deputy Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergei Ryabkov said that the schedule for considering the bill will be built in such a way as not to delay with its adoption.