The lifting of sanctions is not far off. In the near future, Brussels will break down and make concessions to Moscow. On this he has several reasons, said political analyst, director of the Institute for Political Studies Sergei Markov.
The EU is experiencing serious domestic problems - a semi-stagnation in the euro area, where the economy is growing quite poorly, barely over 1.5%. A strong blow to a seemingly strong union was the withdrawal of Britain, as well as the influx of migrants from militant Syria.
A huge unpleasantness for Brussels resulted in a crisis of distrust towards the elites, reflected in the growth of popularity of non-systemic politicians, such as the head of the "National Front" in France Marin Le Pen and the "Five Star Movements" in Italy.
The latter, according to Markov, and will give the very "kick" of the EU to the lifting of anti-Russian restrictions.
"The rebellion against sanctions, the driver of which may come from Italy. There, the economic situation is one of the worst in the euro area, while Italy has worked extensively with Russia. In Italy, the "Five Stars Movement" can really come to power, which everyone in Europe is afraid of, "- quotes the political scientist" Free Press ".
Another incentive for the lifting of the Iron Curtain with Moscow is a clear understanding that the sanctions have not reached their goals. The West would like Russia to submit to Putin leaving the chair of the country's president.
"Now it is clear that Putin will be re-elected in 2018, which means that there is no sense in holding the previous line," continued Markov..
Another reason to abandon the imposed restrictions is disappointment in the Nezalezhnaya. "It became clear to them that in Kiev seized the power of a gang of criminals who are robbing the country and killing people," the expert believes..
No less important reason for reversing the decision was the weakening of US pressure on the European Union. Under Barack Obama, Washington bent on a tough line - strengthening sanctions policy. With the coming to power of Donald Trump, the pressure has significantly weakened.
"Hardliners against Russia will try not to openly discuss the topic of sanctions, because they are afraid of the EU split. But in Europe, the question of gradual lifting of sanctions against the Russian Federation in response to Moscow's small counter-moves may well be raised. This will immediately affect the strategies of various players - they will build them with an eye to curtailing the confrontation with Russia. As a result, the process of unfreezing relations between Russia and the EU will significantly accelerate, "the expert concluded..
March 6, 2014.
Former US President Barack Obama signed a decree that initiated sanctions against Russian officials and organizations allegedly "threatening the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine". March 17, the same restrictions were adopted by the EU countries.
In 2015 year. Obama extended the term limits for another year "because of Russia's policy towards Ukraine". Moscow responded to such a decision by banning imports from the US and the EU of a number of food products.