He noted that if the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko was included in the EU sanctions list, this would exclude all contacts with the country, including the possibility of discussing issues of interest to both sides.

“Of course, this would deprive the EU of the opportunity to maintain a dialogue with Belarus, including in the interests of discussing those topics that are of interest to both parties,” said Peskov.

He added that, in general, Russia has a negative attitude to any manifestations of sanctions.

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron said that the inclusion of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in the EU sanctions list would mean a refusal to dialogue.

The head of the European Council Charles Michel announced that the European Union will impose sanctions against about 40 Belarusian officials from October 2.

Belarus announced the introduction of retaliatory sanctions.