"Pressure will not lead to lasting solution, we should opt for a diplomatic route instead, diplomacy. And we need to adopt measures that will be constructive and help is come to a solution. If you take other measure such as sanctions you will not be truly European," Tzakri said during a debate on Russia’s credentials in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
According to the parliamentarian, further isolation of Russia would exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.
"Or we want to draw Russia into European security project built on mutual support and trust? Do we want to have Russia on our side, or against us?" she said.
Russia’s relations with the European Union have deteriorated amid the Ukrainain crisis, with Brussels accusing Moscow of meddling in the Ukrainian crisis. Despite the fact that Moscow had repeatedly denied those allegations, the European Union extended the existing anti-Russia sanctions for six more months on Monday.
The summer session of PACE is currently underway in Strasbourg. The session is perceived as a deadline for the Council of Europe to decide on the annulment of Russia’s credentials in the assembly.
Russia has abstained from participating in the assembly after the Council of Europe's consultative body voted to prolong its restrictions on Russia's right to vote, citing a lack of improvement in the crisis in Ukraine in January.
