EU to impose more sanctions against Russia

Prior to the meeting at the Council on Foreign Relations of the European Union, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told reporters that EU countries would discuss the possibility of imposing new sanctions against Russia should supporters of federalization hinder the Ukrainian presidential elections on May 25.

"We will discuss what action should be taken, if the presidential election in Ukraine does not take place," he said.

Steinmeier said that Germany did not recognize the results of the referendum on independence of the People's Republic of Donetsk on 11 May. "The way, which separatists in eastern Ukraine are seeking, is unacceptable. Yesterday's referendum is illegal," the German minister added.

He also believes that it is necessary to strengthen the role of the OSCE, come to a national dialogue between Donetsk and Luhansk on the one hand and the interim government on the other hand.