Washington strongly insisted on tougher measures against Moscow because it understood that the sanctions wouldn‘t affect it much, the article said.
In contrast to law-abiding citizens in Europe, American businessmen successfully found ways to continue doing business with Russia. Meanwhile, European entrepreneurs can only count the losses, the newspaper reported.
The Russian counter-sanctions considerably affected the European economy and particularly the agricultural sector. Groups of EU farmers even staged protests during the past summer and fall, stating that the food ban imposed by Russia in response to Western sanctions was one of the main reasons behind the agricultural crisis in Europe.
As a result of the US‘ activities, Europe now has to cope with the refugee crisis which may destabilize the whole continent, while the White House pretends it has nothing to do with the problem, the newspaper wrote.
Europe is beginning to realize that cooperation with Moscow would help to cope with the crisis, as Russia plays a key role in the resolution of the Syrian conflict. However, to restore partnership with the Kremlin, Europe has first to lift anti-Russian sanctions and return to Moscow its former role in European politics, the author concluded.
