France says EU to move to further sanctions on Russia
Harlem Desir said that the bloc needs "the maximum toughness"
BRUSSELS: (AP) - France says European Union sanctions against separatists in eastern Ukraine and their Russian backers will be reinforced in an attempt to force all sides back to the negotiating table.
French European Affairs Minister Harlem Desir said ahead of Thursday s meeting of EU foreign ministers that the bloc needs "the maximum toughness" in the face of continued fighting against the forces of the Ukraine government.
The 28 ministers are expected to task diplomats to come up with a series of sanctions proposals within the next two weeks, so they can be considered at an EU summit on Feb. 12.
Desir said that "what will be decided today is to reinforce and broaden sanctions that target the separatists and those who back them, including those in Russia."
