MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Raising tensions with Russia "has not benefited us in any case" and recalled that the "unilateral sanctions of the EU against Russia have directly affected Spain, which has lost over 200 million euro [over $221 million] in trade," according to Javier Couso from the United Left political coalition.
"I wish Spain was playing a prominent role in the normalization of relations with Russia," Couso said, adding that Russia is an important partner for Madrid and a key to "a strong and independent Europe" that would not need a "submissive and subordinate" collaboration with the United States.
Russia has denied the allegations and introduced a one-year food embargo in August 2014 on products originating in states that imposed sanctions against it. The ban has since been extended.