President of Lithuania: Sanctions against Russia should be strengthened and expanded
The West should expand sanctions against Russia, as the situation in eastern Ukraine does not improve, as stated by Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite before the EU summit in Brussels, Delfi reports.
"The situation in Ukraine thus far only continues to deteriorate… In eastern Ukraine, a direct, real, de-facto inclusion of that part of the country into the territory of Russia has begun," said Lithuanian President Grybauskaite.
She also pointed out to the fact that Moscow, with separatist support, has introduced the Russian ruble in the occupied territories, to be an “impudent attack”.
"This is a direct occupation of the country. Beyond all doubt, for this reason, sanctions should be strengthened, increased; there should be no talk of any relaxation," she added.
The European Union extended the economic sanctions against the Russian Federation for an additional six months.