BRUSSELS, December 18 (Sputnik) – EU heads could discuss reducing sanctions imposed on Russia due to the conflict in Ukraine, but no decision will be made during Thursday's summit, a European diplomat told RIA Novosti.
"Today there could be a discussion about the possibilities to reduce or increase sanctions on Russia, however no decision or political statement on this is expected," the source said to RIA Novosti Thursday.
Previously the source stated that there were no detailed negotiations of sanctions against Russia planned at the two-day European Council meeting in Brussels starting Thursday.
"Sanctions could be reduced simply by an amendment, saying that an exact paragraph of the legislation act imposing restrictive measures should be now read like this or like that, or should be withdrawn," the diplomat told RIA Novosti, adding that unanimity among 28 Member States was needed to reduce the sanctions.
The EU adopted several rounds of sanctions against Russia over Moscow's alleged role in Ukrainian crisis. The sanctions targeted the banking, energy and defense sectors, as well as certain individuals. Russia has repeatedly denied its involvement in Ukraine's internal affairs.
