“Sanctions are a measure that affects not only the Russian economy, but also has a negative impact on the economies of other countries,” Padoan said on the sidelines of the Institute of International Finance's (IIF) annual G20 conference.
The minister expressed hope that “a solution to this problem” would be found in the near future in order to “return to previous mutually beneficial relations that are good for Russia, for Europe and for the world.”
The European Union, alongside the United States and a number of allied countries, has imposed several rounds of sanctions against Russia, accusing Moscow of providing military assistance to pro-independence militia in neighboring Ukraine.
Russia has repeatedly denied any involvement in Ukraine's internal affairs, deeming sanctions as counterproductive.
