Norway and Russia have long been fairly good neighbours, but political opposition over Russia’s ongoing intervention in Ukraine means economic sanctions won’t be lifted any time soon.
Foreign Minister Børge Brende confirmed this week that conditions aren’t right yet to lift Norway’s own sanctions against Russia. The news was not unexpected and came right after the European Union (EU) had decided to extend its sanctions against Russia until January 31 next year.
Norway hasn’t set any target date for reassessing or lifting its sanctions. Both Norway and the EU, however, are demanding that Russia fulfill the so-called Minsk Agreement and withdraw from Ukraine before financial, energy and defense sanctions can be lifted.
“Russian soldiers are standing on Ukrainian soil,” Brende stated. “There’s nothing to suggest we should lift restrictive measures.”
newsinenglish.no staff
