G7 says ready to beef up Crimea sanctions against Russia

G7 nations including the United States said Saturday that they stood ready to strengthen sanctions imposed against Russia after its annexation of Crimea if Moscow’s actions warranted it.

“We recall that the duration of sanctions is clearly linked to Russia’s complete implementation of its commitments in the Minsk Agreements and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty. Sanctions can be rolled back when Russia meets its commitments,” a G7 statement read.

“However, we also stand ready to take further restrictive measures in order to increase costs on Russia should its actions so require,” it said.

afp