Merkel threatened Russia with new sanctions

The EU should introduce new sanctions against Russia in the event of an escalation of the situation in Ukraine. Acting German Chancellor Angela Merkel made the announcement during a joint press conference with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, Reuters reports.

Merkel said the EU should be united on Belarus, which she believes is supporting refugees storming the Polish border, and Russia, which has stationed its military units on the Ukrainian border.

“Any aggression that threatens the sovereignty of Ukraine will cost dearly,” Merkel said.

The outgoing chancellor also expressed confidence that Poland would be able to prevent further escalation on the border with Belarus. According to her, Russian President Vladimir Putin must convince the Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko that people cannot be used for their own purposes.