Vladimir Chizhov, Russia s long-time ambassador to the European Union,
Foreign ministers from EU countries agreed on Monday to punish four Russian officials believed to be involved in the jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. From our point of view, this is another chance of rectifying our relations missed. And this is another step of the relationship slipping on a downward slope, Chizhov said in his first interview with international media since the decision was reached.
The ambassador believes EU ministers treaded a thin line with the new raft of sanctions, which he considers a reaction to what he calls this wave of emotions among the liberal public opinion, which includes, unfortunately, many members of the European Parliament .
Darya Apakhonchich and
Evgeniya Litvinova, member of the Human Rights Council of St. Petersburg and
Sofia Ulyasheva,
Bogdan Litvin and
Alexei Bezrukov, three activists of Vesna movement[1], in St. Petersburg in connection with mass protests held on January 23 and 31, 2021 in support of Alexei Navalny[2].
On January 23, 2021, the Main Investigative Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in St. Petersburg initiated criminal proceedings against dozens of activists. They are accused of blocking traffic during the January 23, 2021 protest march in St. Petersburg under Article 267 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“rendering means of transport or means of communication unusable”).
According to preliminary information, Darya Apakhonchich, Lolja Nordic, Evgeniya Litvinova, Sofia Ulyasheva, Bogdan Litvin and Alexei Bezrukov figure as witnesses or accused in this criminal case. Orders to search the apartments of the six activists were issued by an invest
What’s new? The 2015 Iran nuclear deal has looked at best shaky since the Trump administration withdrew from it in 2018, imposing damaging economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic. In response, Tehran ramped up its nuclear activity in contravention of its obligations under the agreement. President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration could mark an inflection point.
Why does it matter? Having failed to achieve its objectives, Trump’s “maximum pressure” strategy may be nearing an end. Restoring the nuclear deal, with its considerable non-proliferation benefits, could lead to wider U.S.-Iran diplomatic engagement. But one or both sides may be tempted to make additional demands, which would be a recipe for deadlock.