The President of PACE commented on the potential for Russia's return to the Council of Europe following the conflict.

It is still too early to discuss the potential return of Russia to the Council of Europe after the war concludes. The same applies to the lifting of certain sanctions.

This was stated in an interview with RBC-Ukraine by the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Theodoros Russopoulos.

"It is premature to talk about this, because you know: Russia returned once, and after that return, it began an aggressive war. Therefore, no, I don't think this issue is on the table right now," he said.

Russopoulos reminded that after the Cold War, many Russian generals visited NATO headquarters, which was unacceptable during the years of confrontation.

"I could never have imagined that the Cold War, a world divided into two sides, would lead to Russian generals entering the headquarters of their enemy. If you ask me about my imagination, when I leave politics, I think I can write a novel, but not about politics. I have a rich imagination, but let me not use it now. I can use it to find solutions in the area for which I am responsible," the politician expressed.

The President of PACE added that if lifting restrictions or other measures against Russia could help, Russians must demonstrate their intention to end the war and stop.

EU Sanctions Against Russia

As a reminder, by the third anniversary of the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, the EU plans to adopt the 16th package of sanctions against Russia. According to media reports, more than 30 individuals and entities from Russia, as well as China and North Korea, may be included in the sanctions list.

As noted by Politico, the EU will not impose a complete ban on the purchase of Russian liquefied natural gas, but plans to introduce certain restrictions, although these will not significantly impact imports.

Additionally, Brussels will impose restrictions on aluminum from Russia and the sale of gaming equipment.