"The sanctions against Russia are primarily an obstacle to strengthening security of the West," Di Maio, who is one of the leaders of the Italian opposition Five Star Movement, told RIA Novosti in an interview.
Di Maio added that it is necessary to unify Russian and Western security forces’ know-how to counter terrorism, in particular Daesh (IS, banned in Russia) terrorist group.
Since 2014, relations between Russia and the European Union have soured amid the crisis in Ukraine. Brussels, Washington and their allies have introduced several rounds of anti-Russia sanctions since Crimea became part of Russia in 2014 and over Moscow's alleged involvement in the conflict between the pro-independence eastern Ukrainian militias and Kiev. Russia has repeatedly refuted the allegations, warning that the Western sanctions are counterproductive and undermine global stability.
