Anti-Russian Sanctions Deepen Split Between US, EU

Several European countries are dissatisfied with the anti-Russian sanctions. The restrictive measures do not bring the desired results and are only deepening the gap between Washington and Brussels.

The sanctions do not have as strong an impact on Russia as was expected, political columnist Gregory Copley said in an interview with RT.

“The sanctions are not helping anybody, quite the contrary. They are also reinforcing the growing rift between the US and the EU,” Copley said.

According to the journalist, Ukraine could offer a good chance for strengthening or a realignment of NATO. But in reality the situation is quite the opposite.  The fact that many European countries are dissatisfied with the sanctions against Russia has a negative impact and undermines the unity of the alliance.

The introduction of new restrictive measures is designed to enhance the effect of the sanctions previously imposed on Russian companies and citizens.

According to Copley, the timing for the new ‘sanctions injection’ is not accidental. Now, after international negotiators on the Iranian nuclear program have done their job and the agreement was reached, Washington is trying to outwit Iran and its allies.

“The State Department got what it wanted and President Obama got what he wanted by getting an agreement with Iran which is great for him domestically. But now he is moving back to support his old allies – Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the like – and to literally try and circumvent any Russian gains in the area,” said Copley.