Therefore, he believes that sanctions against the Russian Federation must be preserved. As Volcker said on Sunday, December 24, in an interview with the Italian newspaper La Stampa ?, the impression that the crisis in the east of Ukraine was "absolutely wrong".

Violations of the ceasefire regime have increased, while the number of civilians killed has become the highest since the start of the clashes.

Add to this the collapse of the economy and infrastructure, which made the population more vulnerable, "the diplomat explained, adding that it is necessary that the sanctions remain in effect until there are reasons why they were introduced.

At the same time, Volker stressed that compliance with the Minsk agreements is the most important condition for the lifting of sanctions.

Recall, as reported URA-Inform, December 21, the European Union extended economic sanctions against the Russian Federation.