US to lift sanctions against Russia if Minsk accords successful, those with respect to Crimea to stay

"A satisfactory decision is likely to be achieved in the east of Ukraine, while Crimea will remain under Russian occupation. In this case we would remove general sanctions against Russia but remain sanctions with respect to Crimea. The United States and Europe specially introduced separate sanctions in relation to Crimea to have this opportunity," the official said. Fried also believes a diplomatic solution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine could be found in 2016.