US sanctions to be difficult to cancel even if Russia leaves Donbas and Crimea – Pifer
Former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine (1998-2000) Steven Pifer said this during an expert round table at Art Hub in Ukrinform organized by the Open Ukraine Foundation.
"The process of passing sanctions by the Congress is quite difficult, and it can reduce the impact of sanctions on Russia's actions. Even if they take the right steps, even if Russia withdraws from Donbas and returns Crimea - it will be difficult to cancel the sanctions, because this process is very long," Pifer said.
The diplomat said that U.S. President Donald Trump supported the republican policy towards Russia, the sanctions remain in force, and the support for Ukraine continues. According to Pifer, the U.S. Congress played a big role in this issue.
The expert has stressed that the main thing that prevents the U.S. from establishing normal relations with Russia is the aggression of Russia against Ukraine.
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