Support The Moscow Times!

Austrian Foreign Minister Calls to Gradually Lift Russia Sanctions

Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz

Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz suggested that the European Union gradually lift sanctions against Russia, the Reuters news agency reported Sunday.

The foreign minister suggested a piecemeal lifting of sanctions as each step of the Minsk agreement is implemented, Reuters reported. Such action could be a major step forward in achieving mutual understanding and reconciliation with Moscow, Kurz said.

"I believe that we should gradually come to a modus in which for every implementation of the Minsk Protocol, for every single step, sanctions will gradually be lifted in return," Kurz said on Austrian state television ORF, Reuters reported.

Sanctions against Russia, imposed over its role in the Ukrainian crisis, are set to be extended for six more months following next week’s EU summit.

According to the agreements, sanctions will be wholly lifted only in the case of full implementation of the Minsk peace plan — which has stalled in recent months.

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter

Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysiss and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview
Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy

A Message from The Moscow Times:

Dear readers,

We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."

These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.

By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.

Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
paiment methods
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.

Read more