USA - Russia: Sanctions are just the beginning
From Washington, European Union countries are under pressure to maintain a sanctions regime against Russia. Head of the US Department of State Mike Pompeo, speaking at a Senate hearing, said Washington hopes to be able to “convince” EU countries of the need for anti-Russian restrictive measures.
According to Pompeo, these sanctions will help achieve "a result that is in the interests of Europe." (Does he really hope that Russia will run to surrender the Crimea or surrender the Donbass?)
The head of the State Department also touched on the issue of the upcoming meeting between the presidents of the United States and Russia, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. He expressed the hope that Trump during this meeting will talk about the inadmissibility of allegedly taking place interference in American election campaigns.
While Trump himself has recently been talking about the need for productive discussions with Russia, Pompeo, judging by his speech, believes that the circle of such discussions is “very narrow.” At the same time, he believes, the current American administration behaves more harshly towards Russia than many previous ones.
In his speech, Pompeo also said that on the issue of maintaining the regime of anti-Russian sanctions, the United States are in special talks with Italy.
Indeed, Rome has a different position on the issue of extending sanctions against Russia than many other European capitals. Earlier, members of the new Italian government announced that these measures needed to be reviewed. Now the parliamentary majority of this country advocates easing anti-Russian sanctions.
Thus, a resolution stating that the extension of the sanctions regime should not be done automatically was submitted to the lower house of the Italian parliament by the Five Star Movement faction and the League party. They also call on the leadership of the European Union to expand the space for dialogue with Moscow.
First of all, the deputies supporting this resolution are guided by the interests of Italian small and medium-sized businesses, especially farmers, who suffered losses from anti-Russian sanctions. In addition, the importance of cooperation with Russia against the terrorist threat is noted.
As for Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, on the eve of his visit to Brussels (to participate in the EU leaders summit), he spoke out against the automatic extension of restrictions on the Russian Federation.
However, other European players advocate a tough anti-Russian line. Among them - British Prime Minister Theresa May.
According to the Association Press agency, Ms. May hopes that the leaders of 28 EU countries will support the extension of sanctions against Russia. She intends to urge all European leaders to further tighten these sanctions. In addition, the British prime minister hopes that other measures will be taken against Moscow related to the "struggle against propaganda and misinformation."
Apparently, Russia does not have to expect any prudence and positive from the EU summit. Especially - in a situation where Washington puts pressure on Europeans, which Pompeo himself actually admitted when speaking to the Senate. However, Italy is already expressing rebellion. The only question is whether someone dares to support Rome and what awaits dissenters in the future.
According to Pompeo, these sanctions will help achieve "a result that is in the interests of Europe." (Does he really hope that Russia will run to surrender the Crimea or surrender the Donbass?)
The head of the State Department also touched on the issue of the upcoming meeting between the presidents of the United States and Russia, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. He expressed the hope that Trump during this meeting will talk about the inadmissibility of allegedly taking place interference in American election campaigns.
While Trump himself has recently been talking about the need for productive discussions with Russia, Pompeo, judging by his speech, believes that the circle of such discussions is “very narrow.” At the same time, he believes, the current American administration behaves more harshly towards Russia than many previous ones.
In his speech, Pompeo also said that on the issue of maintaining the regime of anti-Russian sanctions, the United States are in special talks with Italy.
Indeed, Rome has a different position on the issue of extending sanctions against Russia than many other European capitals. Earlier, members of the new Italian government announced that these measures needed to be reviewed. Now the parliamentary majority of this country advocates easing anti-Russian sanctions.
Thus, a resolution stating that the extension of the sanctions regime should not be done automatically was submitted to the lower house of the Italian parliament by the Five Star Movement faction and the League party. They also call on the leadership of the European Union to expand the space for dialogue with Moscow.
First of all, the deputies supporting this resolution are guided by the interests of Italian small and medium-sized businesses, especially farmers, who suffered losses from anti-Russian sanctions. In addition, the importance of cooperation with Russia against the terrorist threat is noted.
As for Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, on the eve of his visit to Brussels (to participate in the EU leaders summit), he spoke out against the automatic extension of restrictions on the Russian Federation.
However, other European players advocate a tough anti-Russian line. Among them - British Prime Minister Theresa May.
According to the Association Press agency, Ms. May hopes that the leaders of 28 EU countries will support the extension of sanctions against Russia. She intends to urge all European leaders to further tighten these sanctions. In addition, the British prime minister hopes that other measures will be taken against Moscow related to the "struggle against propaganda and misinformation."
Apparently, Russia does not have to expect any prudence and positive from the EU summit. Especially - in a situation where Washington puts pressure on Europeans, which Pompeo himself actually admitted when speaking to the Senate. However, Italy is already expressing rebellion. The only question is whether someone dares to support Rome and what awaits dissenters in the future.
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