source: Kremlin
The pressure on Europe to change the policy is increasing. More and more countries are openly speaking out against the current situation. Among the opponents of the measures are a number of the large economies of Europe, France and Italy. Other opponents are Hungary and Greece. Previous to the grant, Sweden wanted to put the decision to the national parliament but still tacked. Supporters of the sanctions are Germany, Poland and the Baltic states.
Before the sanctions were extended, Putin opened the door a crack. He emphasised that they could talk about lifting the boycott, but that Europe would have to take the first step to lift the sanctions.
Relationship with Turkey improved
After the Turkish prime minister Erdogan apologised for the incident last year in which a Russian fighter plane was shot out of the air, Putin took steps to improve the relationship. In a phone conversation with Erdogan the Russian president offered his condolences on the attack of the Istanbul airport. During a meeting with the government Putin asked to start the process to 'generally normalise the trade and economic relationship with Turkey."
"As far as our bilateral relationship is concerned, I want to start with tourism, despite this coming at a time when we see heighten terror activity. Nevertheless, we will lift the sanctions in this area," said president Putin during the meeting. According to Russian media the first tourist will be able to travel to Turkey shortly. Although the measure is favourable for both countries, the boycott of fruit and vegetables stays in place for now.