The package of measures imposed by the EU Commission provides for an extended list of individuals subject to sanctions and the expansion of sectoral measures. In particular, these would include further restrictions to Russia’s access to the capital market and additional export restrictions for dual-use goods, according to Wirtz.

In addition, the restrictions would affect exports of “certain sensitive technologies for the Russian oil sector” as well as clarifications of existing measures relating to armaments. Wirtz added: “A further 24 individuals have had their accounts frozen and a travel ban imposed on them.”

Peace plan must be fulfilled in its entirety

During general debate in the German Bundestag Federal Chancellor Merkel stressed that despite progress being made towards a ceasefire, the extent to which Russia is willing to fulfil the agreed 12-point peace plan for a peaceful solution remains unclear. This plan drawn up by the presidents of Ukraine and Russia needs to be implemented in order to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine, claimed the Chancellor. A ceasefire and the release of prisoners are just two of the twelve points, she said.

The other necessary steps, she continued, are: permanent monitoring of the ceasefire by the OSCE, the withdrawal of Russian soldiers and weapons from the region, as well as the freedom of the people of Donetsk und Luhansk to decide over their future status. “This all goes together”, Merkel clarified on Wednesday.

Sanctions are not an end in themselves

In view of the given situation – which certainly shows progress in efforts towards a ceasefire – and the “lack of clarity over the fulfilment of many other points” the Federal Government supported a rapid publication of sanctions.

At the same time, however, Merkel also stressed that if the twelve points are actually “substantially” fulfilled, “we will be the first to lift the new sanctions.” The sanctions are not after all an end in themselves, but would only ever be imposed if they were unavoidable, she added.

In favour of a sovereign Ukraine

According to Merkel, the objective is absolutely clear: the Federal Government is “in support of a Ukraine that can decide its own fate in peace and through self-determination. In good neighbourly relations with Russia, too”, Merkel stressed.

The Federal Government is working to ensure good relations between the EU and Ukraine, she said, as well as good relations between Ukraine and Russia. This is not a question of “either or” but of “as well as”, Merkel confirmed. “This is what we are working towards.”

The path to overcoming this crisis is long and rocky, said Merkel. “We will experience setbacks, too”, she admitted. Nevertheless she is “deeply convinced that however tough the current situation may be, it will be the strength of the law that ultimately prevails.”