"Up until now, I have seen no argument for the sanctions against Russia being immediately lifted. I would like to have an agreement with Russia that goes beyond the ordinary framework, bearing in mind that without Russia, there is no security architecture in Europe," Juncker told the Euronews television channel in an interview released on Saturday.
The official added that he did not agree with the position of the incumbent US President Barack Obama, who had called Russia a "regional power."
"The EU occupies 5.5 million square kilometres [2.1 million square miles], Russia takes up 17.5 million. Russia must be treated as one big entity, as a proud nation. We have a lot to learn about the depths of Russia, we are very ignorant about it at the moment. I would like to have discussions on a level footing with Russia. Russia is not, as President Obama said, 'a regional power.' This was a big error in assessment," Juncker added.
Since 2014, Russia’s relations with the West, including the European Union have deteriorated over Crimea’s joining Russia and the Ukraine crisis. Washington, Brussels and their allies have blamed Russia for interfering in Ukraine’s internal affairs, while Moscow has repeatedly denied the accusations.
