German Businesses Concerned Anti-Russia Sanctions Play Into China's Hands

The president of the Federal Association of Medium-Sized Enterprises noted that the Western sanction policy is forcing Russia to strengthen partnerships with China, and adding that it is necessary for the European Union to resume its partnership with Russia for the good of all people.

BERLIN (Sputnik) — Sanctions imposed on Russia by the West over the Ukrainian crisis negatively affect both sides, president of the Federal Association of Medium-Sized Enterprises (BVMW) Mario Ohoven said.

"In the end, sanctions harm both sides. If the economy suffers, then people suffer as well," Ohoven told RIA Novosti in an interview, adding that his understanding of the counterproductive nature of sanctions is shared among representatives of small and medium-sized businesses in Germany.

In June, the European Union prolonged sanctions imposed earlier on Moscow due to the country's alleged role in the Ukrainian conflict. Russia has repeatedly denied any involvement in the internal conflict in eastern Ukraine.

According to Ohoven, sanctions will be gradually lifted if all provisions of the Minsk agreement on Ukrainian reconciliation are implemented.