06/04/2020 (Agence Europe) – The spokesman for the European External Action Service, Peter Stano, said on Monday 6 April that there was no reason to lift European sanctions against Russia to allow it to fight COVID-19. “Sanctions that target Russian companies and individuals are linked to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol; therefore, these sanctions are in place because of actions that undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. This means that these sanctions do not prevent Russia from dealing with the virus”, Mr Stano explained. Russia also faces restrictive measures related to the illegal annexation of Ukraine and economic sanctions. On 26 March, Moscow had called for a moratorium on sanctions (see EUROPE 12456/34), which was denounced by Ukraine (see EUROPE 12458/17). (CG)