MOSCOW (Sputnik) — In 2014, the United States, the EU states and some of their allies imposed a series of economic sanctions targeting key Russian sectors as well as a number of individuals and entities over Russia’s reunification with Crimea and its alleged interference in the conflict between Kiev and independence supporters in eastern Ukraine.
Russia has repeatedly refuted the allegations, warning that the Western sanctions are counterproductive. In response to the restrictive measures, Russia announced in August 2014 a food embargo on some products originating in states that imposed sanctions against it.
"Our goal must be to end the economic sanctions against Russia as soon as possible," Tillich told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper.
According to the politician, Russia is an important trade partner for Germany and the European Union in a long-term perspective.
"I hope that the dialogue with Russia will be resumed so that the diverging political issues can be clarified," Tillich added.
