Put New Russia Sanctions Into Effect: Angela Merkel

Berlin, Germany: Chancellor Angela Merkel says Germany favors putting new European Union sanctions against Russia into effect until it's clear that a peace plan for eastern Ukraine is being implemented fully.



The EU has drawn up new measures against Russia over its actions in Ukraine but stopped short of implementing them immediately. The new sanctions are expected to deepen earlier penalties targeting Russia's energy and arms sectors, and to tighten access to international loans.

Merkel told Germany's parliament Wednesday that the situation has improved but there is "a lack of clarity on the fulfillment" of various points of a plan to bring peace to the region.

She said: "We support these sanctions being published and I hope there will be a decision soon." The sanctions will go into effect when they're published.