European Union foreign ministers meeting in Brussels, agreed to imposed new sanctions over Russia's alleged involvement in propping separatist militants in Ukraine, reports Deutche Welle.
The EU Foreign Policy co-ordinator, Federica Mogherini, told reporters in Brussels, on Thursday that she and the bloc's foreign ministers had agreed on a new list of people to be target by sanctions.
Ms Mogherini added that the EU was prepared to take further action , stating,
"We have shown that the EU is ready to take further measures and to prepare further measures in the weeks to come if the situation doesn't improve."
The German Foreign Minister, Frank Walter Steinmeier, adding to warnings of further action, said,
"If there were large military offensives, for example with widespread assaults on Mariupol, a clear reaction would be needed."
The fresh set of sanctions came as the peace talks between the Ukrainian government and the pro-Russian militants failed amidst heavy fighting in eastern Ukraine.
Seven civilians were killed in Debaltseve, east of the militant-held city of Donetsk.
The past week saw fighting escalate between the Ukrainian government and pro-Russian militants.
The EU Foreign Policy co-ordinator, Federica Mogherini, told reporters in Brussels, on Thursday that she and the bloc's foreign ministers had agreed on a new list of people to be target by sanctions.
Ms Mogherini added that the EU was prepared to take further action , stating,
"We have shown that the EU is ready to take further measures and to prepare further measures in the weeks to come if the situation doesn't improve."
The German Foreign Minister, Frank Walter Steinmeier, adding to warnings of further action, said,
"If there were large military offensives, for example with widespread assaults on Mariupol, a clear reaction would be needed."
The fresh set of sanctions came as the peace talks between the Ukrainian government and the pro-Russian militants failed amidst heavy fighting in eastern Ukraine.
Seven civilians were killed in Debaltseve, east of the militant-held city of Donetsk.
The past week saw fighting escalate between the Ukrainian government and pro-Russian militants.