The leaders of the EU member states at tomorrow's summit will discuss the strategy for relations with Russia, but do not plan to take any decisions on sanctions against Russia, a European diplomat said, who requested anonymity.
"The Russian economy will be kept in mind by the heads of state and government, who will carry out a collective study of the current situation and strategies for the coming months. (President of the European Council, Donald) Tusk intends to present a strategic discussion at the dinner. But there is no information on upcoming discussions of the sanctions text," the diplomat is quoted by RIA Novosti.
The discussion will cover "a rethinking of the policy and the strategy of the EU towards Russia." He noted that the leaders will also discuss the role which the European sanctions play in the deterioration of the economic situation in the Russian Federation. "It is obvious that European sanctions are not the only thing that is responsible for this situation," the European official said, noting that the current economic sanctions against Russia will expire next summer.
"If there is a unanimous decision to renew them, they will be extended. If such a decision is not extended, they will not be extended either," the diplomat assured.
The EU summit will be held on Thursday and Friday. Discussion of the Ukrainian situation is scheduled for tomorrow night.
