All EU members "united on anti-Russia sanctions"

All EU members "united on anti-Russia sanctions"

The European Commission's starting point is that "all member states remain united in terms of sanctions against Russia, as confirmed by the latest decision of the European Council on March 19," said the Shinas.

The statement comes as Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras starts his two-day visit to Russia, where he will hold talks with President Vladimir Putin and other officials.

Tsiparas and his Russian hosts will discuss bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, tourism, culture and education, while the media speculate that the Greek premier "could also request Russian economic assistance."

According to Deutsche Welle Tsiparas arrives in Moscow "at the right time for Russian President Vladimir Putin," who, this outlet said, "apparently hopes Tsipras will next time stand against an extension of sanctions against Russia."

European Parliament President Martin Schulz on Wednesday called on Tsipras "not to endanger the unity of the European Union" during his visit to Russia.

Schultz told the German newspaper Bild that he "did not know whether Russia will provide financial assistance to Greece, nor when it might happen."

"But I can advise Tsipras not to endanger the unity of the European Union," he added.

Austrian Finance Minister Hans-Jorg Schelling said today that if Athens decided to bypass EU's sanctions, that could create "a huge problem."

Speaking about "the suspension of food imports Russia introduced against EU member-states," he said that if one of them stepped out of "the EU mechanism against Russia," that would represent "a difficult political undertaking."