Merkel's Bavarian ally questions EU sanctions against Moscow

Seehofer wants to discuss with Putin the issue of maintaining the sanctions / Photo from UNIAN

"Sanctions cause enormous damage to the Bavarian economy and agriculture. We must ask ourselves the question, whether this ‘Sanctions one and forever’ automatism is legitimate," said Seehofer.

The official plans to meet on February 4 with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Read alsoBavarian head slams German, Austrian authorities for migrant crisisHowever, it is noted that the position of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and EU leaders remains unchanged - the duration of the sanctions against Moscow is bound to the implementation of the Minsk agreements. The sanctions were prolonged at the December EU summit until the end of July, 2016.