US Could Reconsider Sanctions if Minsk Deal Implemented – Congressman

© Sputnik / Dan Levy / Go to the mediabankDonetsk after shelling
Donetsk after shelling - Sputnik International
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The United States can review its approach toward Russia as well as plans on arming Ukraine if the Minsk agreements are observed, congressman Adam Smith told Sputnik.

From the left : Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko pose for a photo during a time-break in their peace talks in Minsk, Belarus - Sputnik International
Russia Guarantor of Ukraine Settlement, Not Party Fulfilling Deal - Kremlin
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Washington will change its approach to Russia, including reconsidering the sanctions regime and arming Ukraine, if the Minsk peace agreements are successfully observed, US Congressman Adam Smith told Sputnik on Friday.

However, it is not likely that the ceasefire will hold, Smith said. “What is this, the tenth ceasefire?… As you can tell from the sound of my voice, I am skeptical.”

The Ukraine ceasefire negotiated by Ukraine, Germany, France, Russia and representatives of Donetsk and Luhansk will go into effect at midnight on February 15.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry listens to a speech of German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on the podium during the 51. Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015 - Sputnik International
US to Roll Back Anti-Russian Sanctions Once Minsk Agreements Implemented
Representative Smith introduced new legislation this week to authorize $1 billion to train and equip the Ukrainian military with lethal defensive weapons. The bill currently has bipartisan support from 25 sponsors in the US House of Representatives.

The United States, the European Union and other countries imposed sanctions on Russia because of its alleged interference in Ukraine’s internal affairs. Russia has repeatedly denied these accusations and has argued that the warring sides in the Ukraine conflict should establish direct dialogue.

 

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