German foreign minister threatens sanctions against Ukraine

14:48, 04.02.2014 1 min read

If the Ukrainian authorities do not find a political solution to the crisis, sanctions should be used as a threat against them, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has said in an interview with Germany's ARD television.

"I think we must now show sanctions as a threat [against Ukraine]," he said, adding that Germany should be prepared to act if the situation in Ukraine does not improve.

Earlier, German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated that the German authorities see no grounds for the imposition of sanctions against the Ukrainian leadership.

At the same time, Merkel urged the Ukrainian authorities to ensure the public's right to take part in peaceful protests.

"We expect that the Ukrainian leadership will make it possible for its citizens to exercise their basic right to hold demonstrations. They also need to protect the lives of citizens and put an end to the violence," she said.