EU Cannot Lift Sanctions Against Russia, Merkel Says

We need to continue to put pressure on Russia by political and economic methods.

This was announced by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Censor.NET reports citing Novyi Region.

Read also: EU Will Not Lift Sanctions against Russia - German Foreign Ministry

"There are no opportunities to lift the sanctions yet," the Chancellor said. She added that it is necessary to "keep the pressure" to improve the situation in Ukraine. Merkel also said that there were good reasons to continue the energy partnership with Russia. However, according to her, it may be necessary to reconsider these relations if Moscow continues to violate the basic principles.