Great expectations

The narrative that EU sanctions against Russia will be eased and EU-Russia relations will improve continues in the context of Sputnik’s coverage of the St. Petersburg Economic Forum.

Sputnik’s coverage is slanted to raise expectations and illustrating a split among EU Member States over the sanctions.

“The first sign of a thaw in relation”
At the very eve of the Forum, Sputnik outlines “what to expect from the Forum“.

Ahead of an EU decision on the extension of sanctions against Russia, Sputnik refers to analysts noting that the visit of the Commission President “could be viewed as the first sign of a thaw in relations between the West and Moscow.”

Additional articles, such as the one entitled Petersburg Forum ‘Might Melt the Ice’ in EU-Russia Relations, repeat this narrative, highlighting that the Forum is an important signal of a potential reconciliation between Russia and Europe. Calls by the German Foreign Minister for constructive dialogue with Moscow are also noted.

The partial lifting of sanctions is referred to as a means to encourage progress in the implementation of the Minsk agreement.