Channels for a political dialogue are to remain open. NATO is to step up cooperation with Ukraine within the framework of the existing partnership. In their statement the ministers of foreign affairs sent a clear signal of solidarity within the alliance and of the fact that the alliance stands united.

Withdrawal of Russian troops

The German government sees the withdrawal of Russian troops from the Ukrainian border as an urgently needed confidence-building measure, and an important step in de-escalation.

In a telephone conversation with the Chancellor on Monday, the Russian President discussed this. Now the aim must be to realise withdrawal in such a way that it is verifiable.

Review of energy policy

Chancellor Angela Merkel believes that, in view of events in Ukraine and Crimea "a new hard look will be taken at energy policy as a whole". Some parts of the EU are heavily dependent on supplies of oil and gas from Russia, said Angela Merkel in Berlin.

Europe will act as one, reaffirmed the Chancellor after a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. This includes taking a new look at energy policy as a whole.

"Some parts of the EU – less Germany than other EU member states – are very heavily dependent on supplies of oil and gas from Russia," said Angela Merkel. Only 35 per cent of Germany’s gas depends on Russian deliveries. "We have a lot of Norwegian and British gas. We are far from being the most dependent nation in Europe," said the Chancellor. Long-term solutions are called for as well here.

Further sanctions possible

The Chancellor agrees with Germany’s partners that the occupation of Crimea constitutes a violation of international law. The aim is to help de-escalate the crisis through talks.

Should this fail, and the situation escalate further, economic sanctions will be imposed. This third stage of sanctions was decided on by the European Council at its meeting on 21 March.

OSCE observer mission

The German government expressly welcomes the fact that the OSCE observer mission can now begin its work in Ukraine. The mission was approved for an initial period of six months by the OSCE Council and is to involve up to 500 observers.

The mandate of the OSCE observer mission comprises collecting information and reporting on the security situation, as well as monitoring human rights, fundamental liberties and minority rights, establishing and maintaining contacts to local, regional and national agencies, civil society, ethnic and religious groups and the local population, promoting dialogue on the ground with a view to defusing tensions, and encouraging a normalisation of the situation.
Germany is contributing about one million euros to support the mission: about half of the sum is earmarked for projects and the other half for the seconded observers. Germany has nominated a number of observers; currently the OSCE selection procedures are ongoing.