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No EU Sanctions for Now, While Russia Protesters Allege Brutal Police
Treatment

Jamie Dettmer

   The European Union's top diplomat told Russian counterparts that the
   case against jailed Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny has brought
   EU-Russian relations to a "low point." "Our relations are under severe
   strain," Josep Borrell said at the start of a three-day visit to
   Moscow.

   At a news conference after meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey
   Lavrov, Borrell said he had conveyed the EU's deep concern and
   reiterated the bloc's appeal for Navalny's release from prison, as well
   as the launch of an investigation into his poisoning, which Navalny and
   foreign governments blamed on the Kremlin.

   "While we fully respect Russian sovereignty ... the European Union
   considers issues related to the rule of law, human rights, civil
   society and political freedom central to our common future."

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