EU Lost over €100BN Due to its Own Anti-Russia Sanctions – Lavrov

• 11.06.2018, 17:06
•  Europe,  EEU,  World

Федеральное агентство новостей

The EU is punishing itself for doing Washington's bidding and sanctioning Russia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Spanish newspaper El País, RT reports. 

Lavrov lamented the dismal state of EU-Russia relations, describing them as far from normal. The divisions are being fueled from across the pond, he said.

"The mythical 'Russian threat' is forced upon the Europeans, primarily, from the outside," Lavrov said. The main bone of contention between the EU and Russia –sanctions– were imposed by the European nations "on direct orders" from Washington.

"Estimates of losses incurred by the EU states from the sanctions vary. According to some estimates, they might amount to over €100 billion. It's important that European politicians understand this," the minister said.

Russia, which had to retaliate with tit-for-tat measures, is ready to lift the restrictions it imposed on European goods back in 2014.

"We have spoken repeatedly about our readiness to abolish countermeasures," Lavrov said. However, the EU must make the first step.