Bundestag Believes that EU Should Introduce the Next Level Set of Sanctions Against Russia as Soon as Possible

Russia took no measures to de-escalate the conflict in the east of Ukraine so we have to apply the third package of sanctions against it.

This was stated by a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Bundestag Karl-Georg Wellmann, Censor.NET reports citing Interfax-Ukraine.

"I think sanctions are inevitable, because, as we know, Russia supplies combat vehicles to the east of Ukraine - tanks and heavy weaponry. And there is little evidence of Russia strives for de-escalation. Therefore, the EU should apply the third package of sanctions as soon as possible," Wellmann said.

Read also: Russia Commits Overt Armed Aggression Against Ukraine. We Need a Clear and Comprehensible Operation Plan

Ukraine, which signed the association agreement with the EU, requires political and economic stabilization. "The measures against Russia should be taken," he said.

The Deputy expressed his confidence that Germany will also support stricter actions against Moscow. "Germany's position is that the conflict must be resolved, we are making efforts along with others, including Poland, to persuade Russia to change its position. If Russia won't do this there will be new sanctions applied. The federal government made it clear to Russia before," he said.

Earlier, European Union leaders will discuss the Ukrainian situation and may approve new sanctions against Russia on July 16. The EU leaders warned Russia during the previous meeting on June 28 that a new set of sanctions to be introduced if the militants do not take efforts to de-escalate the crisis in eastern Ukraine.

Read also: Poroshenko Calls on the EU to Demonstrate a Powerful Position in Supporting Ukraine