At present, the Western countries are in disagreement over the sanctions introduced against Russia in response to Crimea’s annexation and support of separatists in eastern Ukraine. It is becoming more and more obvious to Western policymakers that the restrictive measures are losing their bite. Moreover, mass media often reports that the EU has expressed its intention to lift at least a part of the sanctions despite the joint decision to extend them. The European authorities suppose that changes in Russia and its stance toward Ukraine can be a strong reason to ease restrictions. They also emphasized that the sanctions have led to serious economic losses in EU countries.
Moreover, hope for the improvement in the Russia-EU relations is boosted by the rumor that European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker could visit the St. Petersburg economic forum.
Nevertheless, the European Union has recently extended restrictions against Russia for another six months, and the US has prolonged them for another twelve months. The decision was provoked by concerns that Russia may harm Ukraine’s national security and the US foreign policy. Besides, US largest investment banks are recommended not to buy Russian bonds.
