Economics
EU Discussing Russia Sanctions After Ukraine Naval Clash
- German official sees no action while facts are still disputed
- Merkel, Putin discussed option of probe including both sides
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European Union governments are discussing sanctions on Russia in the wake of its latest confrontation with Ukraine, though no action is likely until the facts are fully established, a German official said.
The balancing act is a sign of Europe’s constraints in getting tough with President Vladimir Putin after imposing a series of sanctions, championed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, to punish Russia’s annexation of Crimea and meddling in Ukraine. Merkel called for de-escalation in a phone call with Putin late Monday, according to the chancellery in Berlin.